Two drones struck the U.S. embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday morning, according to the Saudi Ministry of Defense. Officials confirmed that the embassy building sustained minor damage, and no casualties have been reported.
The attack caused a small fire within the diplomatic compound, which was quickly contained. Eyewitnesses in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, home to several foreign missions, reported seeing black smoke rising from the embassy and hearing a loud explosion at the time of the attack.
According to the ministry, the embassy building was empty when the drones struck, preventing any loss of life. The damage was limited and largely superficial, though the incident underscores growing security concerns in the region amid escalating tensions.
Reuters reporters noted the visible smoke over the diplomatic area following the drone strikes, highlighting the vulnerability of foreign missions during periods of heightened regional conflict. Security measures around the compound were reportedly reinforced immediately after the incident.
This attack comes amid ongoing unrest in the Middle East, with previous threats targeting U.S. facilities and personnel in the region. Authorities continue to investigate the source of the drones and assess potential security implications for other diplomatic missions in Riyadh.
