Saudi Arabia Destroys Drones and Missiles Targeting Oil Fields and Military Bases

A fresh barrage of drone and missile attacks has struck Saudi Arabia as the wider conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel continues to escalate. Saudi air defence systems successfully intercepted at least 24 drone strikes and multiple ballistic missile attacks throughout Thursday, 12 March (local time).

The kingdom, which hosts significant US military assets, has become a target of Iranian airstrikes in retaliation for bombing campaigns by Washington and Tel Aviv that commenced on 28 February.

Riyadh authorities reported that several drone strikes were detected heading towards the Rub’ Al Khali desert, targeting the Shaybah oil field, which has come under repeated attack in recent days. Additional drones were detected flying towards the Eastern Province.

Two ballistic missile strikes were intercepted by Saudi air defences, with one missile detected heading towards the Eastern Province and another targeting Prince Sultan Air Base at al-Kharj. Prince Sultan Air Base regularly hosts dozens of US fighter jets.

A Saudi military spokesperson stated that the country’s air defence systems shot down seven drones over the Eastern Province, whilst one additional drone was destroyed in the Rub’ Al Khali desert region.

The previous day, on Wednesday, 11 March, at least 21 drones were intercepted and destroyed near Dammam during Iran’s retaliatory assault on Saudi Arabia. Saudi air defences also intercepted two drones in the Rub’ Al Khali desert targeting the Shaybah oil field.

The relentless barrage of attacks continues despite Riyadh’s assertions that Iran’s strikes represent a dangerous and unjustifiable escalation with serious consequences for regional stability.

Riyadh emphasised that Tehran’s conduct does not reflect the principles of good neighbourly relations and does not serve the interests of peace.

Saudi authorities have also warned that Iran will be the “party most damaged” should the attacks continue.

“We emphasise that Iran’s current actions against our nations do not reflect wisdom or a desire to prevent further escalation of the cycle of conflict, in which Iran will be the party most damaged,” stated Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry in its warning.

Riyadh has reaffirmed its right to take whatever measures are necessary to protect its people, territory, and sovereignty.