British and American warships have launched air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, it was reported on Thursday night.

At least three explosions have been heard in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, witnesses told Reuters.

US media are reporting that more than a dozen sites, ranging from training bases to drone storage sites, have been targeted.

The joint military action by the US and Britain is the first time strikes have been launched against the Iran-backed group since it started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year.

The decision to strike the Yemeni rebels follows a day of frenetic behind-the-scenes activity in Whitehall, including an emergency Cobra meeting of senior ministers and a gathering of the National Security Council.

Follow the latest updates below.