Iranian Drone Attack on US Embassy in Riyadh Halts Consular Operations
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced that the United States Embassy in Riyadh was targeted early Tuesday morning by two drones attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Air Force of Iran. According to Saudi officials, the attack caused extensive fires and significant material damage to the embassy building, leading to the suspension of its consular activities.
The US Embassy in Riyadh also confirmed in a statement that all consular appointments scheduled for Tuesday were canceled due to the “attack on the facility.” There have been no reports yet regarding any casualties resulting from the incident.
International media, citing eyewitnesses, reported that several loud explosions were heard in Riyadh early Tuesday, 12th of Esfand. Witnesses described thick black smoke rising from the diplomatic district of Riyadh, where foreign embassies and diplomats’ residences are located.
Reuters, quoting two informed sources, reported that the US embassy building caught fire following the explosions. Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing four eyewitnesses, also reported widespread smoke in the diplomatic area of the Saudi capital.
This event comes amid escalating regional tensions following military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, with Iran’s retaliatory attacks reportedly intensifying daily.
