The U.S. embassy in Riyadh was targeted by two drones on Tuesday, resulting in a limited fire and some material damage, according to an initial assessment posted by the Saudi defence ministry on X. This attack comes amid a backdrop of ongoing Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf states that host U.S. military bases, following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend.
Details of the Incident
Early on Tuesday morning, witnesses reported hearing a loud blast and seeing flames at the U.S. embassy in Riyadh. Three individuals familiar with the matter described the fire as minor, with black smoke observed rising over the Diplomatic Quarter, an area housing numerous foreign missions. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, as the building was largely empty during the early hours, according to two sources.
Response and Safety Measures
In response to the attack, the embassy issued a "shelter in place" notice for U.S. citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. It recommended avoiding the embassy until further notice due to the security threat. An embassy spokesperson and the Saudi government media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving many details unconfirmed.
Regional Context and Tensions
The drone attack on the U.S. embassy in Riyadh is part of a broader pattern of escalating tensions in the region. Iranian missile and drone strikes have targeted Gulf states with U.S. bases, a development that follows retaliatory actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. This incident underscores the volatile security environment and the risks faced by diplomatic facilities in conflict-prone areas.
Reuters has not been able to independently verify all circumstances surrounding the attack, highlighting the challenges in obtaining accurate information during such events. The lack of immediate official statements adds to the uncertainty, with authorities likely conducting further investigations to assess the full impact and perpetrators.
