ISTANBUL

Saudi Arabia said Tuesday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 10 drones and eight ballistic missiles during a new wave of attacks linked to ongoing regional tensions.

“Ten drones were intercepted and destroyed over the past few hours,” the Saudi Defense Ministry said in a statement on US social media company X, citing a ministry spokesperson.

The ministry added that seven ballistic missiles targeting the Riyadh region and one aimed at the Eastern Province were also intercepted and destroyed.

The latest developments come amid escalating hostilities following a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran that began on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, resulting in casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.