Saudi defenses shot down nine armed drones fired at the Kingdom, the Saudi-led Arab coalition said on Friday

It said the aircraft were aimed at civilian locations and energy facilities.

It accused the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen of being behind the failed attack, blaming them for threatening regional and security.

The coalition stressed its support to the Gulf and international stance in seeking the success of the upcoming intra-Yemeni consultations, while the Houthis are attempting to scuttle them.

The consultations will be held in Riyadh from March 29 to April 7.