Saudi Arabia Intercepts Over 60 Drones in Overnight Attacks

Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems have intercepted more than 60 drones launched at the kingdom overnight, including dozens downed over the capital Riyadh and the Eastern Region, the Saudi Defence Ministry announced on Monday, 16 March 2026.

Ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki revealed that 34 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region within a two-hour period on Sunday, 15 March, according to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) as reported by Al Arabiya.

Earlier on Sunday, 15 March, Saudi authorities stated that the air defence system successfully intercepted and destroyed 25 drones that entered the country’s airspace overnight.

According to the Anadolu Agency, the Saudi Defence Ministry reported that the drones were detected entering the country’s airspace from Saturday evening and were immediately destroyed by the air defence system.

However, authorities did not provide details regarding the launch location of the drones or whether the attacks caused any damage or casualties.

A series of drone and missile attacks against Gulf states have intensified since 28 February, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks against American military bases and strategic locations in Gulf nations.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, which hosts American military personnel.

On Sunday, 15 March, the Saudi Defence Ministry announced the launch of a reporting service through the “Tawakkalna” application, enabling the public to report sightings of suspicious aerial objects.

The service allows Saudi citizens and residents to report suspicious aerial objects, including drones or missiles, to ensure reports are received as quickly as possible, according to SPA.

The service will also enable authorities to respond swiftly to protect the nation and its resources.