Saudi Arabia Intercepts Missiles as Iran Escalates Attacks
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed it detected two incoming ballistic missiles targeting the Riyadh region on Monday, as tensions across the Gulf continue to escalate amid ongoing hostilities involving Iran.
Gulf States Face Intensifying Iranian Missile and Drone Strikes
According to an official statement, one missile was successfully intercepted by Saudi air defenses, while the second landed in an uninhabited area, causing no reported casualties. Authorities also confirmed that seven Iranian drones aimed at the Kingdom’s Eastern and Northern Border provinces were intercepted and destroyed.
The ministry revealed that since February 28, Iran has launched at least 44 ballistic missiles, seven cruise missiles, and more than 600 drones toward Saudi Arabia, highlighting the scale of the ongoing aerial campaign.
In the United Arab Emirates, authorities reported that an Indian national was injured by falling shrapnel following the interception of a ballistic missile over an industrial zone near Al-Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi. The incident occurred in the Al-Shawamekh area, underscoring the risks posed to civilians despite successful interception efforts.
Riyadh Reports Interceptions Amid Regional Security Crisis
Elsewhere in the Gulf, both Bahrain and Kuwait issued missile alerts early Monday in response to incoming Iranian fire, though no immediate damage was confirmed.
Saudi officials reported that Iran fired three ballistic missiles toward Riyadh early Sunday. According to spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki, one missile was intercepted while the remaining two fell in uninhabited areas. Additionally, 23 drones targeting the Eastern Province were all intercepted and destroyed.
On Saturday, Saudi air defenses downed 62 drones concentrated over the Eastern Province, a region critical to the Kingdom’s oil production and refining infrastructure. The cumulative figures indicate nearly 600 drone attacks and dozens of missile launches targeting Saudi Arabia since the start of the conflict.
UAE Civilian Injured After Missile Debris Falls in Abu Dhabi
The escalation coincides with a significant diplomatic move by Riyadh, which expelled several Iranian military officials, including the embassy’s military attaché and support staff, declaring them persona non grata and ordering their departure within 24 hours. Saudi authorities condemned the attacks as “blatant violations” of international law and relevant UN resolutions, warning of serious consequences for bilateral relations.
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Meanwhile, the UAE confirmed it intercepted four ballistic missiles and 25 drones launched from Iran on Sunday. The Saudi Ministry of Defense added that its air defenses have so far engaged hundreds of aerial threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.
Regional partners have also reported sustained defensive operations. Bahrain stated it has intercepted and destroyed 143 missiles and 244 drones since the onset of Iranian attacks. Kuwait reported intercepting nine ballistic missiles and four drones within a 24-hour period.
Jordan also confirmed continued defensive actions, with its air force intercepting 14 missiles and 21 drones during the third week of the conflict, while one attack evaded interception. Overall, 240 aerial threats have been launched toward Jordan since the beginning of the war, with the majority successfully neutralized.
The latest developments reflect a sharp intensification of regional tensions, as Gulf states remain on high alert amid sustained missile and drone attacks. The situation continues to raise concerns over broader instability and the potential for further escalation across the Middle East.
