Limited damage reported as Saudi Arabia reinforces security amid regional escalation
WEB DESK: Saudi Arabia said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles targeting the capital, Riyadh, late Wednesday, with debris falling near a major oil refinery in a sharp escalation of regional tensions.
The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed the missiles were neutralized in Riyadh’s airspace. However, fragments from one intercepted projectile landed بالقرب a refinery producing about 130,000 barrels per day, a key facility supplying fuel to the capital.
Authorities reported “limited material damage” in a nearby residential area and injuries to four civilians. Emergency crews responded swiftly after explosions were heard around 7:23 p.m., while residents received mobile alerts urging them to remain indoors during the aerial threat.
The incident follows heightened threats linked to Iran, which has warned of targeting Gulf energy infrastructure after recent strikes on its own facilities, including the South Pars gas field.
Similar aerial threats were reported the same day in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where a gas installation in Ras Laffan sustained damage, signaling coordinated pressure on the region’s energy sector.
Global oil markets reacted swiftly, with Brent crude prices rising amid fears of prolonged instability. Saudi Arabia reiterated its right to self-defence and convened emergency talks aimed at de-escalating tensions threatening global energy security.
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