Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said Thursday that six drones were intercepted and destroyed near the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh and in the Al-Rub’ al-Khali (Empty Quarter) region.

In a statement posted on the X platform, Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said a hostile drone was intercepted while approaching the Diplomatic Quarter, while five additional drones were shot down in the Al-Rub’ al-Khali as they headed toward the Shaybah oil field.

Earlier Thursday, Saudi defense authorities also reported intercepting and destroying 18 drones in the Eastern Province, as well as another drone targeting the Shaybah field in the Al-Rub’ al-Khali.
The incidents come amid rising regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on sites inside Iran on Feb. 28.

Since then, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure.