“Based on the appeal from President Hadi, and based on the kingdom’s responsibility to Yemen and its people, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with its allies within the GCC and outside the GCC, launched military operations in support of the people of Yemen and their legitimate government.”

— Adel Al Jubeir, Saudi ambassador to Washington

“Coordination is under way with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states to prepare for participation by the Egyptian air force and Egyptian navy, and a ground force if the situation warrants, as part of the coalition action.”

— Egyptian foreign ministry statement

“The United States strongly condemns ongoing military actions taken by the Al Houthis against the elected government of Yemen. These actions have caused widespread instability and chaos that threaten the safety and well-being of all Yemeni citizens.”

— Bernadette Meehan, National Security Council spokeswoman

“The difficult decision has now become necessary in confronting the Houthi violence and rebellion and strategic threat to the Gulf through missiles which pose an unacceptable growing threat,”

— Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

“Yemen is not an oil producer of great significance, but it is located geographically and politically in a very important part of the Middle East. There is always potential for a really major and long-term disruption, which would exceed any inventory levels, and there doesn’t seem to be any allowance for that in current pricing.”

— Ric Spooner, chief strategist at CMC Markets

“The city is closed, and the hospitals are quickly getting full with victims hurt from the bombings. We hate the Al Houthis, but we hate war more because it is the innocent who get killed.”

— Ruqaya Mohommad, Mother of four in Sana’a

“Iran wants an immediate halt to all military aggressions and air strikes against Yemen and its people. Military actions in Yemen, which faces a domestic crisis, will further complicate the situation.”

— Marzieh Afkham, Iran Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

In numbers

100

Warplanes from Saudi Arabia are in action, Al Arabiya reports.

150,000

Soldiers from Saudia Arabia are taking part in the operation in Yemen.

10 nations

Deploying planes (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Sudan, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain) with logistical support from the US.

6%

Jump in Brent crude oil prices after news of the military operation in Yemen broke.