Riyadh, March 17 — The Saudi Ministry of Defence reported that its forces intercepted and destroyed three unmanned aerial vehicles over the kingdom’s Eastern Province on Thursday. The ministry said the interceptions took place soon after a separate engagement in which six additional drones were neutralised in the same area.
Officials described the three aircraft as detected and engaged shortly after entering Saudi airspace, with all being brought down to prevent any potential damage or casualties. No further operational details or information about damage were provided.
The incidents came amid heightened regional tensions. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke by telephone with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to review recent developments. According to Gulf News, the two leaders characterised the surge in aerial activity as posing “grave threats to regional and global security and stability.”
Both leaders accused Iran of carrying out what they called “blatant attacks” against countries in the region, saying such actions violate sovereignty and international norms. They urged an immediate halt to military escalation and pressed for prioritising serious dialogue and diplomatic measures to defuse tensions and preserve regional security.
These events occur against the backdrop of a wider crisis that entered its 18th day on March 17. The situation intensified after US and Israeli strikes on February 28, which have since led to a cycle of retaliatory actions and increased targeting of regional interests.
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