RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems shot down several missiles and drones aimed at vital sites across the Kingdom early Friday, the Ministry of Defense said.
According to the ministry, three ballistic missiles were launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base in the Al-Kharj governorate; however, the Saudi air defenses responded swiftly, neutralizing the missiles before they reached their intended target.
One drone was shot down over the Eastern Province, while another was intercepted above Al-Kharj. The ministry later reported additional aerial threats during the night.
As the morning progressed, Saudi forces also destroyed a cruise missile approaching Al-Kharj, after by the interception of three drones in the eastern Riyadh region.
Friday’s incidents came just hours after Saudi defenses neutralized three cruise missiles targeting Al-Kharj and prevented a drone strike over the Ras Tanura oil refinery in the Eastern Province—one of the Kingdom’s most critical energy facilities.
On March 3, Saudi air defenses intercepted eight drones approaching Riyadh and Al-Kharj. Simultaneously, a drone struck the US Embassy compound in Riyadh, causing a small fire and minor structural damage on the same day. No casualties were reported.
Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, rejected accusations of Tehran’s involvement in the attacks during a statement issued Thursday.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have reported multiple attacks attributed to Iran, with at least nine deaths reported in the wider Gulf region. Regional shipping routes have also been heavily disrupted.
A missile strike on a commercial vessel near Oman has contributed to a backlog of around 150 oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, where oil transport activity has dropped by nearly 86 percent.
Saudi Arabia also issued a strong condemnation on Thursday after Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting Azerbaijan and Turkish airspace protected by NATO, describing the strikes as “blatant and cowardly.”
During an emergency ministerial meeting held in Riyadh on March 1, the GCC reaffirmed the collective right of member states to defend their sovereignty against what it described as “Iranian aggression.”
Following a Cabinet session chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 3, Saudi Arabia reiterated that it reserves the “full right” to respond to the continued attacks.
Officials emphasized that the Kingdom will take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens, and residents from further threats.
