Analysis & Reports

Houthi fighters seized Perim Island on September 11, 2026, after Yemeni government forces withdrew. This takeover strengthens Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping route. The Houthis have also captured other locations, including the town of Dhubab and Zuqar Island, amid escalating tensions and Iranian support for their operations.

Houthi forces captured the strategic port city of Mocha on September 10, 2023, potentially reshaping Red Sea shipping routes. The capture follows increased military operations by the Houthis against Yemeni government forces, including missile and drone attacks. Local residents reported evacuations as the conflict escalated in the region.

Houthi forces captured Zubab town and completed control over the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait on September 11, following the withdrawal of Yemeni government forces from Pihlin Island. This strategic control is significant for maritime navigation between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Japan, the U.S., and South Korea conducted the Freedom Edge 2026 missile defense exercise at Yokota Air Base from September 7-11, 2026. The exercise involved approximately 2,300 personnel and 6 destroyers, focusing on integrating sensor data for air defense. Concurrently, North Korea commissioned a new destroyer, the Kang Gon, highlighting regional military developments.

Tanaka TakashiFri Sep 11 2026Loading...

Houthi forces deployed troops and established military positions on the Hanish Islands following the withdrawal of Yemeni government naval forces on September 10. That same day, after intense fighting, Houthi forces captured the strategic port city of Mocha in Taiz province, forcing Yemeni government forces to retreat to the Zubab area. The Yemeni government subsequently declared a combat zone along the western coast to counter Houthi activities.

Houthi forces captured the Red Sea port city of Mocha on Thursday, forcing government-aligned troops to withdraw to Dhubab. The capture followed intense fighting and marked a significant advance for the Iran-backed group, which also seized the nearby district of Hais. The battle has displaced tens of thousands of people, with many fleeing toward government-held areas.

In February 1999, the Dutch submarine HNLMS Walrus successfully penetrated the defenses of the USS Theodore Roosevelt during a naval exercise, conducting simulated torpedo attacks that were credited with sinking the carrier and seven escort ships. The exercise involved around 24,000 personnel and demonstrated the submarine's ability to evade detection using thermal layers. This incident underscores persistent vulnerabilities in carrier defense against quiet submarines.

In February 1999, the Dutch submarine HNLMS Walrus successfully conducted simulated torpedo attacks against the USS Theodore Roosevelt and seven escort ships during Joint Task Force Exercise 99-1 in the Atlantic Ocean. The submarine penetrated the carrier's defenses undetected, demonstrating its operational capabilities and the challenges faced by the U.S. Navy in anti-submarine warfare.

Houthi forces captured the coastal city of Al-Mokha on September 10, 2026, following the withdrawal of Saudi-backed forces. This strategic gain allows the Houthis to exert pressure on Bab al-Mandab and Saudi Arabia, amidst rising tensions and attacks on maritime shipping in the region. The situation indicates a significant shift in control and potential escalation in the conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Sep 10 2026Loading...

Dwight D. Eisenhower coordinated the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II, leading significant operations in North Africa and Europe from 1944 to 1945. He commanded the largest amphibious assault in history, Operation Overlord, on June 6, 1944, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning. Despite never seeing combat, his organizational skills were pivotal in the success of the Allied campaigns against Germany.

The HSwMS Gotland, a Swedish Gotland-Class Diesel Submarine, conducted training exercises with the U.S. Navy, achieving a simulated kill against the USS Ronald Reagan in December 2005. The U.S. Navy had rented the submarine for training purposes, enhancing its capabilities against conventional submarines. The arrangement began in 2004, with the Gotland arriving at Naval Air Station North Island in June 2005, allowing for extensive training against U.S. naval forces.

Two Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters landed at Ohakea, New Zealand, on September 8, 2025, marking their first visit. They conducted training missions with New Zealand forces, including mock bombing runs and interceptions, before departing on September 10. This event is significant as New Zealand has not operated fast jet combat aircraft since 2001, focusing instead on maritime patrol and transport operations.

On September 9, Russian forces targeted Ukrainian military facilities, ports, and logistics centers, while Ukrainian forces executed deep strikes in Krasnodar, hitting a naval base and gas processing plants. Russian drones destroyed a MiG-29 at an airport in Kyiv region. Additionally, Russian troops advanced in Kharkiv and continued operations in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

General George S. Patton pivoted his Third Army of over 250,000 men to attack the German flank during the Battle of the Bulge on December 19, 1944. This strategic maneuver occurred in response to the German Ardennes offensive, showcasing Patton's operational control and leadership. His actions during this period helped solidify his reputation as one of the U.S. Army's best combat leaders despite previous setbacks in his career.

In September 2013, the USS Dallas conducted simulated torpedo attacks on the HMS Illustrious in the Gulf of Oman during NATO war games. Despite the presence of multiple escort ships and anti-submarine helicopters, the Dallas successfully approached the carrier and executed the attacks. The Royal Navy has not released the detection timeline or the umpire's assessment, leaving the outcome unofficial.

The Pentagon is expanding the use of the Maven Smart System for logistics, force readiness, and supply chain management in Washington, D.C. The system has replaced several IT systems and is being integrated with AI tools to enhance decision-making. Recent changes have also shortened procurement timelines, allowing for faster vendor selection. The Department of Defense is working with allies to improve their AI capabilities.

Admiral Chester Nimitz was appointed Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on December 16, 1941, following the Pearl Harbor attack. He emphasized leadership through selecting capable individuals and supporting their efforts. Nimitz led the U.S. Navy to significant victories during World War II, including the Battle of Midway, and was promoted to Fleet Admiral in December 1944.

The 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard returned to Burlington, Vermont, on September 6, 2026, after a nine-month deployment that included operations in the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. The unit, known as The Green Mountain Boys, conducted missions in support of U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Central Command during their deployment, which involved over 200 members.

Smack Technologies is developing AI software, Omega, to enhance military operations by optimizing munitions usage and planning. The software allows commanders to generate detailed workflows and plans quickly, improving decision-making in real-time. Smack has secured contracts with three U.S. military branches and plans to expand its offerings to all six branches by the end of the year, addressing both military and humanitarian needs.

The 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' joint exercise between the Chinese Navy and the New Zealand Navy concluded successfully in the afternoon, featuring a separation ceremony for the vessels involved. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the cooperation and professionalism demonstrated during the exercise, which included phases of port exchanges and maritime drills aimed at enhancing military trust and regional stability.