London Backs Saudi-Led Military Intervention in Yemen

Britain supports Saudi Arabia’s military intervention in Yemen amid "Houthi aggression," the Foreign Office said Thursday.

LONDON (Sputnik) – Saudi Arabia announced the launch of a military operation against the Houthi rebels in Yemen Wednesday.

Several other nations, including Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt, are participating in the Saudi-led airstrikes targeting the country’s capital of Sanaa.

"We support the Saudi Arabian military intervention in Yemen following President Hadi's request for support by 'all means and measures’ to protect Yemen and deter Houthi aggression," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly using around 100 fighter jets and 150,000 personnel in the military operation. The airstrikes target Yemen's infrastructure, including the government buildings and the Sanaa airport, but also hit residential areas.

The Houthis, a Shiite insurgent group, have taken control over vast territories in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.

In late January, President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and his government resigned after Houthis seized the presidential palace. After escaping house arrest, he disavowed his resignation and fled to the city of Aden in February.