22 March,2026 11:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A projectile hits a residential compound in Saudi Arabia’s Al Kharj area earlier this month. FILE PIC
The Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that it was successful in the interception of several aerial threats over the kingdom's capital and eastern regions, reported the ANI.
Military officials stated that four more drones were shot down over the Eastern Province. This action follows a series of attempted attacks targeting residential areas and economic hubs.
Earlier, Saudi forces had intercepted a ballistic missile over Riyadh, demonstrating the kingdom's active air defense capabilities.
In the early hours of the morning, the Saudi Civil Defence issued a warning to the public about potential aerial threats. The alert was cancelled seven minutes later after authorities assessed the situation and confirmed that the danger had passed, according to the ANI.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned what it described as blatant Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, other Gulf countries, and several Arab and Islamic nations. In a statement released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry highlighted that Iran's repeated targeting of Saudi sovereignty, civilian objects, economic interests, and diplomatic premises constitutes a violation of international law.
The ministry noted that Iran's actions contradict principles of good neighbourliness, the Beijing Agreement, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. It also pointed out that Iran's rhetoric about Islamic brotherhood and faith is not reflected in its military actions.
Following the attacks, Saudi Arabia declared several Iranian diplomats as personae non gratae, ordering them to leave the kingdom within 24 hours. This includes the military attache, assistant military attache, and three mission staff members, the news agency reported.
Saudi authorities warned that continued aggression could lead to further escalation with serious consequences for bilateral relations.
Invoking Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its right to defend its territory, airspace, citizens, residents, resources, and interests. The kingdom emphasized it will take all necessary measures to safeguard national security and preserve sovereignty.
These incidents occur amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Saudi Arabia has stressed that it will continue monitoring threats and take swift action to prevent harm to its citizens, infrastructure, and strategic interests.
(With ANI Inputs)
