Saudi Arabia intercepted 36 drones, 3 ballistic missiles since early Thursday: Defense Ministry

Saudi Arabia has intercepted and destroyed 36 drones since early Thursday in the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province, according to the Defense Ministry.

In separate statements, the ministry said the country’s air defense systems also intercepted two ballistic missiles launched toward the Eastern Province and a third missile targeting Yanbu port.

It said a drone fell at the Samref oil refinery, with damage currently being assessed.

Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Civil Defense issued three early warnings since Thursday morning, including alerts for threats in the Eastern Province, Yanbu governorate in the west, and Al-Kharj governorate in central Saudi Arabia.

Authorities did not immediately report any casualties.

A regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing around 1,300 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul