The Saudi Ambassador to the US says a 10-nation coalition is supporting the Saudi air strikes.
Saudi government released the statement saying: “Since these aggressions have actually reached Saudi soil, our nations are facing constant threats out of the control of the legitimated govt.”
CNN says there are conflicting reports about the whereabouts of Yemen internationally recognized president abderabbo Mansour Hadi. A Saudi source speaking to the CNN maintains that as of Wednesday night, Hadi remains in Yemen.
Lt. Col. Rick Francona told CNN that this was not just one or two pin prick strike. This was a very well-orchestrated and executed campaign. They hit multiple targets in multiple cities. They even named the campaign the “resolute Storm.” If you look at the targets they hit, they are good military targets. They are all over the Sanaa area and down in Taez and the airbase where the American Special Forces were. I have to say that it is questionable that the Saudis had the capability to develop these targets on their own. So, one can assume that there is a lot of intelligence cooperation going on between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
CNN said that Saudis said there is no US military involvement.
Col. Rick Francona added that the Houthis could strike back or make an incursion in the Saudi soil, but it would take away from what they are doing now. They have pretty much devoted their force structure down to the south to go after Aden and President Hadi. So it is not possible for them to do any ground incursion against the Saudis. They probably try to defend themselves against continued Saudi air strikes… This military action would have to continue for week at least until the legitimate government of Hadi is back in power.
CNN says this is the first time since 1973 where an Arab coalition has come together without US involvement. But the US would support them in any way.