RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said its air defences detected and destroyed 12 drones over the country’s Riyadh region.
The statement of the ministry’s spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Malki, carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Friday, stated that a drone was intercepted and destroyed in Riyadh Region.
The spokesperson in another statement confirmed that three drones were intercepted and destroyed in Riyadh Region, and debris fell near a military site without causing any injuries.
He further said that six drones were also intercepted and destroyed in the Riyadh Region.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence Major General Turki Al-Malki, in another post, stated that two drones were intercepted and destroyed in Riyadh Region.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions and intensified diplomatic activity across the Gulf and the wider region.
Over recent weeks, attacks involving drones and missiles have been reported across multiple Gulf states. These incidents are part of a broader military confrontation linked to hostilities between Iran and a coalition including the United States and Israel.
In a statement released by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards via their Sepah News platform on Friday, residents in Gulf countries were advised to immediately evacuate zones surrounding US forces.
Earlier in the day, Kuwait confirmed that its primary commercial hub, Shuwaikh port, had been struck by drones at dawn. Authorities reported material damage to infrastructure but said there were no casualties.
The port, a critical artery for trade, briefly suspended operations as assessments were carried out. Meanwhile, regional alarm systems were activated as fears of further strikes grew.
Bahrain sounded missile alert sirens late Friday morning in response to what officials described as an incoming Iranian threat. Qatar also issued alerts, marking a renewed wave of anxiety after several days of relative calm.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated missile and drone strikes carried out the previous day.
