RIYADH: The Arab coalition said on Thursday that Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a booby-trapped drone launched by the Houthi militia toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The coalition said it was “taking operational measures to protect civilians and civilian objects from hostile attacks.” The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen have stepped up attacks targeting populated areas and oil installations in the Kingdom since the beginning of the year, drawing international condemnation. The Houthis have also launched a major offensive in Marib in February in an effort to take control of the region from the internationally-backed government.