the saudi operation is backed by 10 counties, including egypt, pakistan saudan jordan and morocco. the action is to support the president, the u.s. says it's coordinating with saudi arabia providing intent logistical support. saudi arabia said it has destroyed houthi air defense and a base near the capital sanaa. it hit a target in yemen's south. these are the latest pictures coming from yemen showing the aftermath from the air strike. 17 have been killed in a residential part of the capital sanaa. the iranian foreign ministry is asking for a halt. now how event unfolded. >> reporter: the saudi arabia embassy in washington d.c. was the venue for riyadh to announce the operation. the saudi ambassador didn't oi nouns what they hoped to achieve. >> the process is abide by the process or they'll not be allowed to take over the country. >> reporter: you'll bomb until they agree to take part in the process. . >> we'll do what is takes to prevent the legitimate government of yemen from falling. >> reporter: several hours in the u.s. revealed its part in the attack. a planning cell was coo