Saudi Arabia Shoots Down Missile Targeting Al-Kharj

(MENAFN) Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday that its air defense systems successfully intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Al-Kharj governorate, located south of the capital Riyadh, according to reports.

A spokesperson from the Defense Ministry stated that fragments from the intercepted missile landed near Prince Sultan Air Base, though no damage or casualties were reported.

Officials also confirmed that, since early Wednesday, air defenses had neutralized a total of one ballistic missile along with 15 drones that were directed toward Saudi territory, as stated by reports.

These developments come amid heightened regional instability following the launch of a joint military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February. Reports estimate that around 1,300 people have been killed so far, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes using drones and missiles targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf nations hosting US military assets. These attacks have led to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions affecting global markets and aviation, according to reports.

Reports further indicate that the United Arab Emirates has faced the highest number of attacks, followed by Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Oman, which had previously played a role in nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran prior to the conflict, has reportedly experienced the fewest incidents.

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