Statements from Saudi Arabia and Its Coalition:
"I wanted to meet with you to inform you that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched military operations in Yemen. The objective is to defend the legitimate government of President Hadi from the takeover attempts by the Houthi militias in Yemen. The use of force is always the last resort, and it is with great reluctance that we took this step along with our partners in the GCC countries as well as outside of the GCC countries. We have a coalition of over ten countries that will participate in these operations to prevent Yemen from falling at the hands of the Houthis."
- Adel Jubeir Saudi Ambassador to US.
"The United States has been in close contact with President Hadi and our regional partners. In response to the deteriorating security situation, Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, and others will undertake military action to defend Saudi Arabia’s border and to protect Yemen’s legitimate government. As announced by GCC members earlier tonight, they are taking this action at the request of Yemeni President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The United States coordinates closely with Saudi Arabia and our GCC partners on issues related to their security and our shared interests. In support of GCC actions to defend against Houthi violence, President Obama has authorized the provision of logistical and intelligence support to GCC-led military operations. While U.S. forces are not taking direct military action in Yemen in support of this effort, we are establishing a Joint Planning Cell with Saudi Arabia to coordinate U.S. military and intelligence support."
- White House Statement
"Back by Iran, Houthis are seizing control of Yemen, threatening the strategic straits at the mouth of the Red Sea. Along with the Straits of Hormuz, that would give Iran a second choke-point on the world's oil supply."
- Binyamin Netanyahu,, Congressional Speech
"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.’ As the U.N. Security Council has made clear, President Hadi is Yemen's legitimate President."
- UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office Statement
"The French Embassy in Riyadh released a statement reiterating its support of Hadi's government and concluding, "France stands by its partners in the region to restore stability and unity of Yemen." French foreign minister Laurent Fabius expressed his political support for the Saudi-led intervention during an official visit to Riyadh"
- French Foreign Ministry Statement
