Saudi Arabia says it intercepted 23 drones, 3 missiles amid regional escalation

On US social media company X, the Saudi Defense Ministry said it had intercepted and destroyed two drones east of the capital, Riyadh.

It added that 21 drones were intercepted in the Empty Quarter desert after attempting to attack the Shaybah oil field in the country’s southeast.

The ministry also said it intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base in the Al-Kharj province, southeast of the capital Riyadh.

The ministry did not specify the source of the drones or missiles, though the incident coincides with Iranian attacks targeting sites in several Arab countries.

Iran on Feb. 28 launched missiles and drones toward Israel and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets, leading in some cases to casualties and damage to civilian sites, including ports and residential buildings.

Tehran says the attacks came in response to a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that has killed hundreds of people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.