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The United States embassy in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was struck by two drones allegedly launched by Iran, in an attack that caused no injuries but did result in minor material damage to the diplomatic facility.
According to CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter, the devices reached the premises of the U.S. mission.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack, stating that it caused a limited fire and minor material damage.
Subsequently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran stated that it had begun actions to destroy "American political centers" in the region and mentioned the explosion at the embassy in Riyadh as part of that effort, according to posts on its Telegram channel cited by CNN.
Following the incident, the diplomatic mission issued a security alert instructing its staff and advising American citizens in the kingdom to remain in their residences.
In a message shared on X, the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia announced that a shelter-in-place notice has been issued for Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dhahran, and that non-essential travel to military facilities in the region is restricted.
On its official website, the U.S. mission reiterated its recommendation for citizens to avoid the embassy until further notice due to the attack and to stay alert for new security alerts.
It also urged to register or update their information in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program of the Department of State to receive information in case of an emergency.
The impact in Riyadh adds to other attacks against U.S. military and diplomatic facilities in the region in recent days, amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. The State Department had not issued any further comments at the time the information was published.
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