Watch: Saudi Arabia thwarts Houthi attack on Yemen civilians

Missile launch site in Marib destroyed by coalition forces as Houthi offensive continues

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Brig Gen Turki Al Malki. Reuters

The Saudi-led coalition defeated a Houthi missile attack against civilians in Yemen's Marib on Thursday, destroying a missile launchpad, state media reported.

Despite Saudi Arabia offering a political initiative last week to end the seven-year conflict in Yemen, attacks across the Saudi-Yemen border have continued.

"The Houthi militia continue attempts to target innocent civilians," coalition spokesman Colonel Turki Al Malki said.

Saudi authorities proposed a national ceasefire, renewed humanitarian measures and inter-Yemeni talks.

But so far, the Houthis have refused the offer and continued their offensive.

On Thursday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels also claimed an attack against Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh, with their military spokesman Yahya Saree claiming four explosive-laden drones targeted "sensitive and important sites".

Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the attack on Riyadh.

Recently, attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia have intensified, and have increasingly targeted civilian areas.

The Houthis and the internationally recognised government have been locked in a power struggle since 2014, when the Iran-backed militias overran the capital, Sanaa.

Saudi Arabia has led a coalition in support of the Yemeni government since 2015.