U.S. authorizes logistical, intelligence support to Saudi operation in Yemen

U.S. President Barack Obama has authorized logistical and intelligence help in support of a Saudi-led military operation in Yemen to beat back Houthi militia forces, the White House said late on Wednesday. "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," a White House statement said.