Drone Strike Forces Closure of U.S. Embassy in Riyadh

(MENAFN) The United States Embassy in Riyadh suspended all operations Tuesday after a drone attack struck the compound, canceling both routine and emergency consular services as regional tensions spiral following a joint American-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

The U.S. Embassy confirmed the closure via X, stating: "The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia is closed on Tuesday, March 3. All routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments are cancelled."

The attack, which Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry confirmed caused a limited fire and minor structural damage with no reported casualties, prompted officials to extend an active shelter-in-place directive across three major Saudi cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. American citizens throughout the Kingdom were urged to remain indoors, avoid the embassy compound entirely, and reassess any pending travel plans amid fears of further disruption.

The strike follows Saturday's launch of a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran, which killed several senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has since retaliated with coordinated drone and missile campaigns targeting Israel and Gulf states that host US military assets.

Authorities also reiterated an existing restriction on non-essential travel to military installations across the region, urging all American nationals to review current security alerts and maintain an active personal safety plan.

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