RIYADH: An attack by two drones early Tuesday targeted the US embassy in Riyadh, sparking a limited fire and causing minor material damage, a Saudi defence ministry spokesman said, as Iran continued its retaliatory campaign across the Gulf.
“The US Embassy in Riyadh was attacked by two drones, according to initial assessments. The attack resulted in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building,” the spokesman said in a statement after witnesses reported seeing smoke rising over the compound housing the American diplomatic mission.
#BREAKING: The US Embassy in Riyadh was targeted by two drones, resulting in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building — Saudi Defense Ministry
pic.twitter.com/WZO66roK7H— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) March 3, 2026
According to AFP, a source close to the Saudi military, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Saudi air defence systems intercepted four drones aimed at Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter during the attack.
The embassy — Embassy of the United States, Riyadh — later issued a shelter-in-place notification for American citizens in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dhahran, urging them to remain indoors and monitor official updates.
The incident comes amid escalating regional hostilities following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have triggered waves of retaliatory drone and missile attacks across the Gulf. Several countries in the region have heightened security around diplomatic facilities and key infrastructure amid concerns of further spillover.
There were no reports of injuries at the embassy. Security measures in the capital were visibly tightened following the incident, with patrols increased around government buildings and foreign missions.
