The capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, was attacked by a ballistic missile.
Xinhua News Agency, Riyadh, March 18 (Reporter Luo Chen, Wang Haizhou) - The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense announced on the evening of the 18th that the capital city of Riyadh was attacked by ballistic missiles that night, and the air defense system intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles.
Earlier that evening, multiple loud explosions were heard in Riyadh, and local residents received air defense alerts issued via mobile applications. According to Xinhua reporters, this was the first time since the joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28 that air defense alerts were widely issued through mobile applications in the Riyadh urban area.
A spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense stated on social media that the air defense system successfully intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles, with debris falling in multiple locations in Riyadh. Preliminary estimates indicate that there were no casualties.
As of the time of the reporter's release, the Saudi Civil Defense Authority has announced that Riyadh is "out of danger," but stated that residents should continue to follow the instructions of the civil defense department, avoid gatherings, and stay away from dangerous areas.
On March 18, 2023, Saudi Arabian Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed 4 ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh. The attack triggered air defense alerts across the city, marking the first such alert since military actions against Iran commenced on February 28. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the area was declared safe by civil defense authorities shortly after the incident.
- Riyadh was attacked by ballistic missiles on March 18, 2023.
- Saudi air defense intercepted and destroyed 4 ballistic missiles.
- No casualties were reported from the incident.
- This was the first widespread air defense alert in Riyadh since a military operation against Iran began on February 28.