Saudi Air Defense Intercepts Ballistic Missiles Over Riyadh; Explosions Heard in Capital

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday that its air defense is countering ballistic missiles, as AFP and Reuters reported explosions heard in the skies over Riyadh. The Saudi Defense Ministry stated in a post on X: "Air defense is countering a ballistic threat in Riyadh." Residents also received phone alerts warning: "This area is under enemy air threat." Saudi Arabia has repeatedly been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones since the start of Iran's war with the US and Israel. Following Wednesday's attacks on South Pars gas facilities, the IRGC threatened to target energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.