Air attacks continue in Saudi; Riyadh, Eastern Province on high alert

Riyadh: Saudi defence forces intercepted a large-scale wave of drone and missile attacks targeting multiple regions across Saudi Arabia on Thursday, according to an official statement.

The defence ministry spokesperson, Major General Turki al-Maliki, said a total of 27 drones and three ballistic missiles were successfully shot down over Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Yanbu.

The interceptions began early Thursday when 14 drones and two ballistic missiles targeting the Eastern Province were neutralised. Later in the morning, air defences destroyed an additional 13 drones over Riyadh and the Eastern Province. In the afternoon, another ballistic missile aimed at Yanbu was intercepted, bringing the total number of thwarted attacks for the day to 30.

Authorities had issued emergency alerts through the National Early Warning Platform in the Eastern Province and Yanbu Governorate, urging residents to remain indoors, avoid windows and glass surfaces, and stay calm. The General Directorate of Civil Defense later confirmed that the threat had subsided, allowing normal activities to resume.

Al-Maliki also disclosed that similar large-scale attacks were attempted on Wednesday. On that day, Saudi forces intercepted 22 drones — including two targeting the embassy district in Riyadh — along with approximately 10 missiles across various locations. Five drones were reported to have approached a power plant before being destroyed.

The Defense Ministry emphasized that the armed forces remain fully prepared to safeguard national security amid continued threats.

Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that trust with Iran has been broken and Tehran should reconsider its hostile stance against neighbouring countries. He made the remarks at a news conference after an Arab-Islamic ministerial meeting in Riyadh. He warned that moves targeting Saudi Arabia's energy sector would have serious consequences.