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Coalition intercepts and destroys three Houthi ballistic missiles; eight drones

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The Saudi-led Arab Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen announced on Thursday that its forces intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles and eight booby-trapped drones fired by Houthi militias against civilians in Saudi Arabia.

SPA news agency; citing a tweet by the coalition Thursday; said the ballistic missiles and the explosive-laden drones were fired in the direction of populated areas in the Kingdom.

"A cowardly act of hostility by the Houthi militia in firing drones and ballistic missiles was thwarted;" the Coalition also said a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The "hostile" attacks were targeting civilians; according to the statement.

"We are taking strict measures to deal with the sources of threat to protect civilians;" the Coalition also added in its statement.

The latest attacks came during the early morning hours on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr; the holiday in which Muslims worldwide celebrate the end of the holy of the holy month of Ramadan.

"The hostilities of the terrorist Houthi militia are contrary to divine values and further international norms and do not observe religious rituals;" the Coalition said.

Houthis have been violating international humanitarian law by attacking civilians; it said. The alliance also pledged to take all necessary measures to deal with sources of such threats in line with the humanitarian international law and conventions.

OIC condemns firing missiles

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen strongly condemned on Thursday the hostile terrorist attack by Houthi militia; which markedly launched three missiles and eight trapped aircraft towards civilian targets in Saudi Arabia on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr.

The statement came according to what announced on Thursday; by the Coalition; which also intercepted and destroyed the missiles and aircrafts before reaching their targets.

In a press release; Al-Othaimeen praised the coalition forces for also facing the failed attempt of Al-Houthi militias; describing the continuous targeting of civilian targets by Al-Houthis is a "war crime" and a challenge to international law; and agreements.

He affirmed the OIC it stance with Saudi Arabia in all measures taken to deflect the Houthi aggression and also protect civilians and residents.

The Coalition also announced Thursday it had intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles and eight drones launched towards civilian targets in Saudi Arabia.