Riyadh, March 22 (ANI) — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said its forces intercepted and destroyed a drone that was heading toward the kingdom’s eastern region.
The ministry said the aerial threat was neutralised before it reached any intended target. The eastern province is strategically important, containing the bulk of Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure and reserves.
Earlier the ministry reported it had also intercepted and downed four additional drones over the Eastern Province while acting to protect key residential and economic centres. Those actions came hours after officials said a ballistic missile was shot down over Riyadh.
The incidents occur amid heightened regional tensions. Saudi authorities have accused Iran of repeatedly targeting the kingdom and other Gulf states in the context of the wider conflict involving the United States and Israel.
In the early hours, the Saudi Civil Defence issued a public alert that was cancelled seven minutes later after officials judged the danger to have passed.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation, accusing Iran of blatant attacks on Saudi Arabia and other GCC members. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said Tehran’s continued targeting of Saudi sovereignty and economic interests amounts to a flagrant violation of international conventions, breaches the principles of good neighbourliness and relevant agreements, and contravenes United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.
Riyadh added that Tehran’s military actions run counter to the principles of Islamic brotherhood and warned that such aggression could lead to further escalation with serious consequences for bilateral relations.
In response, Saudi authorities declared the Iranian military attaché, the assistant military attaché and three mission staff personae non gratae and ordered them to leave the country within 24 hours.
Invoking Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Saudi Arabia said it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and vital resources. (ANI)
