US Embassy in Riyadh Hit by Drone Strike, Urgent Shelter Warning Issued
Earlier today, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was struck by two drones in the Saudi capital, causing a small fire and minor property damage at the diplomatic complex. Saudi authorities confirmed the incident occurred early in the morning, and there were no reports of injuries among staff or civilians.
Following the attack, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia issued an urgent “shelter in place” advisory for American citizens in major cities including Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dhahran, instructing them to stay indoors and seek immediate safe shelter until further notice.
The advisory also stated that non-essential travel to any military installations in the region is being restricted, highlighting the ongoing risk from aerial threats.
The attack comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with a series of recent drone and missile strikes affecting energy infrastructure and military sites across the Gulf region.
Footage and early reports showed black smoke rising above the diplomatic area in Riyadh following the strike, while Saudi air defense systems reportedly intercepted other similar threats in the area.
U.S. and Saudi officials are still assessing the damage and investigating the perpetrators, while the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff have indicated that a potential U.S. response could be under consideration.
American authorities have urged citizens in the region to stay in contact with embassies and follow security guidance, as the situation remains highly volatile.
