Saudi Air Defenses Down Dozens of Aerial Threats Amid Rising Regional Tensions

(MENAFN) Saudi authorities announced Saturday that air defense systems successfully intercepted a large number of aerial threats entering the country’s airspace, including drones and ballistic missiles.

According to reports, the Saudi Defense Ministry confirmed through a statement shared on the social media platform X that two drones were detected and destroyed to the east of the capital, Riyadh.

Officials further explained that an additional 21 drones were intercepted over the Empty Quarter after they attempted to strike the Shaybah oil field located in the country’s southeastern region.

Air defenses also neutralized three ballistic missiles that had been launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj province.

Authorities did not identify who was responsible for launching the drones or missiles. However, the interceptions occurred at a time of heightened regional tensions following a series of Iranian strikes targeting locations across several Arab states.

According to reports, Iran carried out missile and drone attacks on Feb. 28 aimed at Israel and several Gulf countries hosting American military facilities. In some areas, the strikes reportedly caused casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including ports and residential buildings.

Tehran has said the operation was carried out as retaliation for a joint military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran. Iranian officials claim the attacks resulted in hundreds of deaths, including the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as well as several senior military commanders.

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