RIYADH: The United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital was struck by two drones early Tuesday, triggering a limited fire and causing minor material damage to the diplomatic compound, officials said, amid escalating regional tensions following US-Israel strikes on Iran.
According to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense, the drone attack resulted in a small-scale fire at the embassy premises. Subsequent reports indicated that additional drones were targeting the site as Iran claimed responsibility for fresh strikes, including an attack on a US base in Bahrain.
Black smoke was seen rising over Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, which houses several foreign missions, international media reported. Eyewitnesses cited by news agencies said a loud explosion was heard and flames were visible at the compound shortly after the strike.
Officials said the embassy building was unoccupied at the time of the attack and no casualties were reported.
A source close to the Saudi military, speaking on condition of anonymity, told foreign media that the Kingdom’s air defence systems intercepted four drones targeting Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter during the assault.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump told NewsNation that Washington’s response to the embassy attack and the reported killing of American service members would soon be made clear. “You’ll find out soon,” he said.
The latest incident adds to mounting pressure on Gulf Arab states hosting US military and diplomatic assets, as Iran intensifies retaliatory actions across the region in response to recent US-Israel operations.