DUBAI: The Arab Coalition said Saturday that it it had intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone launched by the Houthi militia towards the city of Khamis Mushait in Saudi Arabia.

The coalition said it was taking “all necessary operational measures to protect civilians against terrorist assaults,” Saudi Press Agency said. 

The UAE and Bahrain condemned the Houthi attempt to attack the south western city on Saturday. 

The Iran-backed militia group on Friday said it targeted an oil refinery in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The Kingdom's energy ministry said the attack caused a fire but was brought under control.

Meanwhile, Russia said Saturday it strongly condemned the drone strike on the oil refinery in Riyadh, and urged all parties to halt the violence.

The European Union also condemned the Houthi attack on the refinery in another statement.