The coalition said it was taking operational measures to protect civilians from such attacks RIYADH: The Arab coalition said Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone launched toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The coalition said it was taking operational measures to protect civilians from such attacks, state news agency SPA reported. 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.