Drone Strike Sets Fire at US Embassy in Riyadh

Riyadh, MINA – The United States Embassy in the Saudi capital was hit by a drone attack early on Tuesday, causing a fire and minor damage to the diplomatic compound, according to the Saudi Ministry of Defence. The strike marks a significant escalation in Iran’s retaliatory campaign against US interests in the Gulf region, Al Jazeera reports.

The Saudi Defence Ministry confirmed that two drones targeted the embassy, resulting in a “limited fire” and “minor material damage” to the compound.

Sources later reported that additional drones may have been targeting the site. Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna, reporting from Washington, DC, noted that the attack on the Riyadh embassy was part of a broader wave of Iranian retaliation across the Gulf.

Three people told the Reuters news agency that a loud blast was heard and flames were seen at the embassy, though the fire was described as small in scale.

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The embassy building was reportedly empty at the time of the attack, and there were no immediate reports of casualties. A source close to the Saudi military told the AFP news agency that air defences had intercepted four drones targeting Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter.

In response to the attack and the recent killing of four American service members, US President Donald Trump told the NewsNation media outlet that the US response would soon be made clear, stating, “You’ll find out soon.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the US Embassy had issued a “shelter in place” notice to American citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran, urging them to avoid the embassy until further notice due to the attack on the facility. The embassy stated it was continuing to monitor the regional situation.

The strike on the US Embassy in Riyadh comes amid a widening conflict, with Iran retaliating against US-Israeli attacks that have killed top Iranian figures.

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The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has also announced the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway, raising fears of global economic disruption.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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