Saudi Arabia has launched air attacks against Huthi rebels in Yemen.

The air strike has been launched by a regional coalition in order to save the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi as Yemen reached the brink of a civil war.

Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States said that a coalition of 10 countries had been formed to safeguard the Yemeni government.

Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE along with Saudi Arabia said they "have decided to answer the call of President Hadi to protect Yemen and his people from the aggression of the Huthi militia."

Saudi envoy Adel Al Jubeir has not mentioned the other countries that are a part of the coalition.

It is reported that Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan and Sudan had all "expressed desire to participate in the operation" against the Yemen rebels, which the kingdom called "Firmness Storm."

According to Adel Al Jubeir right now the action includes only the air strikes on various targets around Yemen. However, he added that additional military assets were also being mobilised and that the coalition "would do whatever it takes."

"The Royal Saudi Air Force has taken out the Huthi air defences and destroyed numerous Huthi fighter planes." said a Saudi advisor.

According to the military sources the air attacks had hit rebel positions at several locations in Sanaa, which includes Al Daylami airbase and the nearby international airport in north Sanaa. It also includes the presidential complex, which was seized by the rebels in January.

Residents in the south also reported hearing blasts at Al Anad main airbase, north of Aden, which was seized by the rebels.

Large numbers of people have been killed as the Huthis supported by troops associated with former strongman Saleh, have clashed with pro-Hadi forces as they moved towards the south.

Yemen has permitted Washington to wage a drone war against Al Qaeda in the nation.