Middle East

Saudi Arabia intercepts 4 drones within 2 hours amid escalation

Defense Ministry says no casualties or damage reported in attack

Rania Abushamala  | 19.03.2026 - Update : 19.03.2026
Saudi Arabia intercepts 4 drones within 2 hours amid escalation File Photo

ISTANBUL

Saudi Arabia said Thursday evening that air defenses had intercepted and destroyed four drones in the Eastern Province within a span of two hours, as Iranian attacks on Gulf countries continue to intensify.

In a statement, the Defense Ministry said the drones were shot down in separate aerial operations.

No casualties or material damage were reported.

The attack came hours after the ministry said that three drones had been downed in the same area.

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

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