Drones struck the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh early Tuesday morning, causing minor material damage and igniting a limited fire, according to an initial assessment by the Saudi defense ministry posted on X. The attack occurred amidst ongoing Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf states hosting U.S. bases following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend.
Key Takeaways
Drones struck the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh early Tuesday, causing minor damage but no injuries. The attack occurred amid ongoing Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf states hosting U.S. bases. The State Department ordered non-emergency personnel to leave six Middle Eastern countries and urged American civilians to depart immediately.
- Drones hit the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, causing minor damage and a limited fire
- No injuries reported as the building was empty during the early morning attack
- The State Department ordered non-emergency workers to leave six Middle Eastern countries
- Americans urged to leave the region immediately due to escalating tensions
- Iran has launched missile and drone strikes on multiple Gulf states following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes
A loud blast was heard, and flames were seen at the embassy, with black smoke rising over Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. Three individuals familiar with the matter reported that the fire was minor, and there were no injuries as the building was empty during the early morning hours.
In response to the attack, the U.S. State Department ordered non-emergency workers to leave six countries in the Middle East—Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar—and urged American civilians living in the region to leave as soon as possible. The department initially stated that Americans could not rely on the U.S. government for assistance in leaving but later announced plans to charter flights out of Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan.
The embassy issued a 'shelter in place' notice for U.S. citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran, advising them to avoid the embassy until further notice. Neither an embassy spokesperson nor the Saudi government media office immediately responded to requests for comment.
This incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region following recent military engagements between Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces. The attack on the U.S. Embassy underscores the potential risks faced by diplomatic missions in areas affected by regional conflicts.
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