Iran drones hit US embassy in Saudi Arabia
Two drones struck the United States embassy compound in Riyadh early Tuesday, causing minor damage and a small fire, according to Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry.
Officials said the unmanned aircraft hit the compound in the Saudi capital’s diplomatic quarter, an area that houses numerous foreign embassies. Black smoke was seen rising above the district, and witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing flames. Authorities described the blaze as limited and said it was quickly contained.
The embassy building was reportedly empty at the time of the strike, and no injuries were reported.
Saudi air defence systems intercepted four additional drones targeting the diplomatic quarter during the attack, officials said. The US embassy later advised American citizens to avoid the compound as a precaution.
The incident followed a separate security alert at the US embassy in Kuwait, which announced it would remain closed until further notice. The US State Department has also ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel and family members from its missions in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar and Jordan.
Speaking to reporters, US President Donald Trump said Washington’s response to the embassy attack and the killing of American service members would be made clear soon. “You’ll find out soon,” he said.
The strike comes amid heightened tensions across the Gulf. Iranian authorities have launched drone and missile operations targeting sites in countries that host US military assets, describing the actions as retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia’s state energy giant, Saudi Aramco, suspended operations at its Ras Tanura refinery after debris from a reported Iranian drone attack sparked a fire at the facility.
