RIYADH — Arab Coalition led by Saudi Arabia on Thursday intercepted and destroyed as many as eight explosive-laden drones targeting civilians in the Kingdom. In a statement, the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen said the Iranian-backed Houthi militia tried to target universities of Jazan and Najran. The coalition released pictures of the armed Houthi drones being intercepted by the Saudi-led forces. The coalition said that a ballistic missile launched by the militia from Sanaa landed in Al-Jawf. The attacks come despite Saudi Arabia’s announcement of a new peace initiative that includes a ceasefire across Yemen. The Houthis have recently intensified their drone and missile attacks against the Kingdom despite global efforts to reach a comprehensive solution to the crisis in Yemen.