Two drones struck the United States Embassy compound in Riyadh early Tuesday, triggering a small fire and causing minor material damage, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry confirmed. No injuries were reported as the building was empty at the time of the incident.

In a statement, a defence ministry spokesperson said preliminary assessments confirmed that the US diplomatic mission had been targeted. The ministry added that the attack resulted in “a limited fire and minor material damage” to the building.

Smoke seen over diplomatic quarter

According to AFP, smoke was seen rising from the compound housing the embassy. A source close to the Saudi military, speaking on condition of anonymity, said air defence systems intercepted four drones aimed at Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter during the incident. However, Saudi authorities have not provided detailed information on whether all incoming drones were intercepted or how the two drones managed to hit the embassy compound.

ALSO READ | ‘I thank him for standing with Israel’: Benjamin Netanyahu calls PM Modi a ‘great friend’ amid Iran conflict

A viral video circulating on social media appeared to show flames and thick smoke billowing from the site as fire engines rushed to extinguish the blaze. The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified.

Attack amid escalating regional tensions

The strike comes as the Middle East enters its fourth consecutive day of heightened hostilities following US and Israeli-led strikes on Iran that began on February 28. In response, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting US and Israeli-linked sites across the Gulf region.

US President Donald Trump warned of impending retaliation without directly naming Iran. In an interview cited by a reporter on X (formerly Twitter), Trump said, “You’ll find out soon what the retaliation will be,” referring to both the embassy strike and the reported deaths of US military personnel in the ongoing confrontation.

ALSO READ | Will oil prices skyrocket? Strait of Hormuz shutdown triggers energy panic

Following the attack, the US Embassy issued a “shelter in place” advisory for American citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran. The advisory urged US nationals to remain indoors, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local authorities. The embassy also advised citizens to enrol in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.

Reuters said it could not independently confirm all the circumstances surrounding the incident. US embassy officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.