Riyadh erupted into chaos early Tuesday as two Iranian drones slammed into the US Embassy compound, igniting a fierce blaze that damaged property but spared lives. The Saudi Defense Ministry confirmed the strike happened late Monday night, with initial probes revealing the unmanned aircraft breached defenses over the capital.
This brazen assault marks day four of Iran’s retaliatory campaign against US and Israeli targets following joint airstrikes on Tehran. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iranian leaders, vowing a forceful response that will soon become clear. Amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, the US Embassy swiftly issued a shelter-in-place advisory for Americans in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran.
Non-essential travel to military bases was banned, and citizens were urged to hunker down immediately. ‘We are monitoring the situation closely,’ the embassy stated on X. ‘Review our latest security alerts, adjust travel plans, and prioritize safety for yourself and your family.’ They emphasized crafting personal safety plans for unpredictable crises abroad.
Viral videos captured thick black smoke billowing from the embassy grounds, with fire engines racing to douse the flames. No injuries were reported since the building stood empty at the pre-dawn hour. This drone incursion is part of Iran’s broader barrage of missiles and UAVs targeting Gulf bases hosting US forces.
The conflict ignited after Saturday’s US-Israeli air operation that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Saudi officials remained tight-lipped on how the drones evaded air defenses. Despite the strike, King Khalid International Airport continues operations, though hundreds of flights face delays or cancellations due to closed neighboring airspaces and ongoing hostilities.
As Middle East tensions skyrocket, the world watches warily for America’s next move. The embassy’s call underscores the dire risks now facing expatriates in the region, with ripple effects threatening global stability and energy markets.