Early Tuesday morning, two drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing a limited fire and minor material damage. The Saudi Defence Ministry confirmed the incident via a post on X, describing it as an initial assessment.
A loud blast echoed through the area, with witnesses reporting flames and black smoke rising over the Diplomatic Quarter. The embassy compound houses foreign missions and was largely empty at the time of the attack.
No injuries were reported, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Regional Retaliation Context
This drone attack follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend. Iran has launched missile and drone retaliatory actions targeting Gulf states hosting US bases.
The strikes appear part of a broader escalation in the ongoing conflict. Saudi air defenses later intercepted and destroyed eight additional drones near Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
The incident highlights vulnerabilities in diplomatic security despite existing fortifications. US Response and Security Measures
The US Embassy issued a “shelter in place” alert for American citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. It advised avoiding the embassy until further notice due to the ongoing threat.
An embassy spokesperson did not immediately comment on the attack.The Saudi government media office also remained silent on additional details.
This event raises concerns about the safety of US personnel and allies in the region.