US Embassy in Riyadh Targeted by Iranian Drones Amid Escalating Tensions
Drone Attack on US Embassy
Riyadh: The US Embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones from Iran, leading to a fire and property damage, as reported by Saudi Arabia's defense ministry on Tuesday morning. This incident marks the fourth day of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The attack occurred amidst rising hostilities following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which prompted Tehran to retaliate against American and Israeli military targets in the Gulf region.
In a stern message to Iran, US President Donald Trump warned, "You will soon discover the consequences of this attack."
According to Saudi Arabia's defense ministry, initial reports indicated that the embassy compound was struck late Monday night, igniting a fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries since the building was empty during the early hours of the attack.
In response to the drone strike, the US Embassy issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. They also imposed restrictions on non-essential travel to military sites in the area and urged American citizens in Saudi Arabia to seek immediate shelter.
"The US Mission to Saudi Arabia is actively monitoring the situation in the region. We advise all travelers to check our latest Security Alerts, reassess their travel plans for potential disruptions, and make informed decisions to ensure their safety and that of their families," the statement emphasized.
"We recommend that all US citizens develop a personal safety plan. Crises can arise unexpectedly while abroad, and having a solid plan can help you navigate potential scenarios and determine the best actions to take in advance," it further stated.
A viral video circulating on social media depicted a large fire and thick smoke billowing from the embassy compound as firefighters rushed to control the blaze.
This drone strike is part of a larger pattern of Iranian missile and drone assaults targeting Gulf nations that host US military installations. The escalation follows airstrikes led by the US and Israel on Iran that commenced on February 28, prompting Tehran's retaliatory measures.
These back-and-forth attacks signify a significant escalation in hostilities, now extending into its fourth consecutive day.
Iran's missile and drone launches aimed at Israel and US military facilities across the Middle East and in Arab nations have intensified following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated US-Israeli air operations.
Saudi officials have not clarified whether the drones were intercepted prior to impact or how they managed to bypass air defenses over the capital. The Saudi government media office has yet to respond to inquiries.
Despite the drone attack, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remains operational. However, numerous flights have faced delays or cancellations due to airspace restrictions in neighboring Gulf countries, a situation exacerbated by the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent Iranian counterattacks.