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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said Monday night that the United States Embassy in Riyadh was struck by drones, causing minor damage but no reported casualties.
A ministry spokesperson said in a statement posted on X that two drones targeted the embassy compound in Riyadh.
“The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was subjected to an attack by two drones according to initial estimates, resulting in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building,” the spokesperson said.
The reported attack follows U.S. and Israeli missile strikes on Iran over the weekend that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders, according to U.S. officials.
The United States Department of State has ordered Americans in parts of the Middle East to depart amid rising tensions.
“[Secretary of State Marco Rubio] urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks,” Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar wrote on X. “Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).”
The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait also issued a security alert warning of potential attacks and advising U.S. citizens to avoid the embassy.
“Take cover in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows,” the embassy said. “Do not go outside. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait urges U.S. citizens in Kuwait to shelter in place, review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks.”
Saudi and U.S. officials have not publicly identified who was responsible for the drone strike in Riyadh.
Other neighboring nations of Iran have also faced attacks since last weekend’s strikes. Qatar announced on Monday that it had shot down two Iranian aircraft, along with taking down multiple missiles and drones.
“Qatar Emiri Air Force successfully shot down two (SU24) aircraft coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran. They also successfully intercepted (7) ballistic missiles through air defenses, and intercepted (5) drones by Qatar Emiri Air Force and Qatar Emiri Navy Forces, which targeted several areas in the state today,” the Qatari Defense Ministry released in a statement on Monday.
