Saudi Arabia launches military operation in Yemen - envoy
The rebels have moved into central, western and southern regions since overrunning the capital Sanaa
Saudi Arabia has launched a military operation in Yemen against Houthi Shia rebels, the Saudi ambassador in the US has said.
Adel al-Jubeir said Saudi Arabia acted to "defend the legitimate government" of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.
The Iran-backed rebels have made rapid gains in recent months, forcing Mr Hadi to flee the capital Sanaa.
Meanwhile, reports say the rebels have seized secret US intelligence files describing US operations in Yemen.
The files reportedly contained informants' identities as well as counter-terrorism operation plans,
the Los Angeles Times reports.
Regional escalation
Speaking in Washington, Mr Jubeir said the Saudi operation - which involved air strikes - began at 23:00 GMT.
He said Gulf states supported the operation.
Mr Jubeir stressed that the Saudis "will do anything necessary'' to protect the people of the neighbouring Yemen and "the legitimate government of Yemen".
This come despite sources in Saudi Arabia telling Reuters earlier on Wednesday that there were no plans for military intervention in the crisis, and that the reported build-up of military forces on its border with Yemen was "purely defensive".
Also on Wednesday, reports said that President Hadi fled his palace in Aden as Houthi rebels advanced towards the southern port city.
But Yemeni government officials denied suggestions that the president has fled the country, and said he remained in Aden.
Mr Hadi earlier asked the UN Security Council to back military action by "willing countries" against the Houthi rebels.
The president also called on the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and the Arab League to intervene.
Meanwhile, Yemen's state television, which is controlled by the rebels, announced a ransom for anyone who captures the "fugitive" president.
Recent developments have raised fears that Iran - who is Saudi Arabia's major regional rival - could be drawn into the conflict.
Yemen - who is fighting whom?
The Houthis: Zaidi Shia-led rebels from the north, who seized control of Sanaa last year and have since been expanding their control
President Hadi: Backed by military and police loyalists, and by militia known as Popular Resistance Committees, he is trying to fight back against the rebels from his stronghold in the south
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula: Seen by the US as the most dangerous offshoot of al-Qaeda, AQAP opposes both the Houthis and President Hadi.
Islamic State: A Yemeni affiliate of IS has recently emerged, which seeks to eclipse AQAP.
Saudi Arabia launches military operation in Yemen - envoy - BBC News
Saudis don't have the capability to invade Iran either.
Both sides have missiles and navies, not to mention proxies. They may not be able to invade, but they can use other methods. Anyway, a single Iranian rocket in KSA means disaster for Iran as a nation.
