The Saudi Ministry of Defence announced on Sunday that its forces intercepted and destroyed 10 drones targeting Riyadh and eastern regions, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities. The statement followed confirmation earlier that two drones had been shot down in the eastern part of the country.
The latest interceptions highlight the growing risk of the Iran-Israel war spilling over to neighbouring states, though Iran has claimed some attacks on Saudi Arabia were “false flag operations” orchestrated by Mossad to sow discord among Muslim nations.
Saudi Arabia has refrained from directly naming Iran in the attacks but reaffirmed its commitment to intercept and destroy any drones or missiles entering its airspace.
A formal statement confirmed the “interception and destruction of a drone” after it entered airspace over the Al-Jawf region in the north. Earlier reports indicated nearly 50 drones were shot down within a few hours on Friday.
The escalation has heightened threats to critical Saudi locations, including the US Embassy in Riyadh, key oil infrastructure, and military bases hosting American troops.
Iran has threatened to intensify attacks on Saudi bases hosting US forces as the conflict in the region deepens. Meanwhile, Israel confirmed launching another wave of aerial strikes on Iran on Sunday, while Tehran responded with fresh barrages of missiles and drones.
US President Donald Trump signalled Washington’s resolve to intensify its campaign against the Iranian regime.
In a Truth Social post, he claimed, “We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time—watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.”
The cumulative death toll across Iran, regional countries, Israel, and the United States has now crossed 1,600, with approximately 4 million people displaced since the war began.