RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has said that its armed forces intercepted multiple drones and ballistic missiles across the Kingdom, while a drone hit a key energy facility, underscoring rising security challenges amid escalating regional tensions.
Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence on Thursday said a drone crashed in the SAMREF Refinery, with authorities currently assessing the extent of the damage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a separate incident, Saudi air defences successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Yanbu, preventing potential damage to critical infrastructure in the strategic port area, according to SPA.
Al-Malki further confirmed that two drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region, while an additional six drones were neutralised across Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
The coordinated nature of the aerial threats highlights growing concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and major urban centres.
The incidents come amid heightened regional tensions, with increased risks of attacks targeting critical facilities linked to global energy supply chains.
Saudi authorities have reiterated their readiness to respond to any threats and to safeguard the Kingdom’s vital installations, while investigations into the origin and intent of the attacks remain ongoing.
Arab-Islamic countries urge Iran to halt attacks against gulf states
Earlier, the foreign ministers of Pakistan and several Arab and Islamic nations urged Iran to halt its attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, Azerbaijan and Turkiye, warning Tehran that the future of relations between these countries and Iran depends on its respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of others.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the Foreign Ministers affirmed the necessity of respecting international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness, as a first step toward ending the escalation, achieving security and stability in the region, and promoting diplomacy as a means to resolve the crisis.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on Thursday said the Kingdom “reserves the right” to take military action against Iran if attacks on its territory continue, warning that Riyadh will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty and economic interests.
“The kingdom is not going to succumb to pressure, and on the contrary, this pressure will backfire… and certainly, as we have stated quite clearly, we have reserved the right to take military actions if deemed necessary,” he said.
