Saudi air defenses intercept 21 drones, ballistic missile over Riyadh and Eastern regions

2026-03-18 - 13:30

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said Wednesday that air defenses intercepted and destroyed 21 drones across the Eastern Province and Riyadh regions, along with a ballistic missile targeting Al-Kharj.The first interceptions began overnight, when three drones were destroyed over the Eastern Province, followed by four more an hour later.Two additional drones were intercepted in the same region a few hours later, followed by another four drones within the next hour.During the same period, Defense Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki said a ballistic missile heading toward Al-Kharj Governorate was intercepted and destroyed, with debris falling near Prince Sultan Airbase. No damage was reported.Later in the morning, two drones were intercepted over the Eastern Province, followed by another shortly after.A hostile drone was also intercepted en route to the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.By midday, two drones were intercepted over the Riyadh region, while another drone was destroyed over the Eastern Province in the early afternoon.