US Embassy In Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Struck By Iranian Drones; Warning Issued
US Embassy In Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Struck By Iranian Drones; Warning Issued
M.U.H
03/03/202624
West Asia Conflict: Smoke was seen billowing from the US Embassies in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Kuwait after Iranian drones struck the diplomatic missions on Tuesday.
According to the US State Department, the Embassy in Riyadh was hit by two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). “Embassy Riyadh has been struck by two UAVs that hit the roof and the perimeter of the chancery. Post is sheltering in place and reported no injuries." the department said.
Later, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that two drones attacked the US embassy in Riyadh, causing a limited fire and minor material damage to the building.
Additionally, a third drone was also en route to US Embassy in Riyadh, according to official source.
Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the drones were Iranian. The overnight barrage reportedly coincided with a separate missile salvo launched across Israel, as tensions in the region intensified.
Embassy Issues Security Alert
Following the strike, the US Mission in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert, ordering a shelter-in-place for Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran and limiting non-essential travel to military installations in the region.
“The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a shelter in place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran and are limiting non-essential travel to any military installations in the region – we recommend American citizens in the Kingdom to shelter in place immediately," the alert stated.
The mission said it continues to monitor the regional situation and urged Americans to maintain a personal safety plan, review recent security alerts and reconsider travel plans in case of disruptions.
Among the actions advised were sheltering in place, enrolling or re-enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), ensuring passports are valid for short-notice travel, avoiding demonstrations and large gatherings, monitoring official sources, and following local authorities’ instructions.
Emergency numbers in Saudi Arabia were also highlighted, including 911 for unified emergency services, 999 for police, 996 for highway security and 997 for ambulances. The embassy provided contact numbers for its offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, as well as the Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington.
