Riyadh, May 18: The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense has claimed to have shot down three drones that entered the country’s airspace from Iraqi territory. The ministry has issued a warning, stating that all necessary military measures will be taken to respond to any attempts of aggression.
Major General Turki Al-Maliki, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, reported that the drones were intercepted and destroyed after entering Saudi airspace.
In his statement, Al-Maliki emphasized that Saudi Arabia reserves the right to retaliate at an appropriate time and place, ensuring the protection of the nation’s sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens and residents against any form of aggression.
Last month, the Saudi Foreign Ministry summoned the Iraqi ambassador in Riyadh, citing the use of drones launched from Iraqi territory as a reason for ongoing attacks and threats targeting the Kingdom and other Gulf nations.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia condemned a drone attack on the United Arab Emirates that resulted in a fire outside the perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant. The UAE Ministry of Defense reported that two drones were successfully intercepted, while a third drone collided with a power generator near the nuclear facility in the Al Dhafra region. The ministry noted that these drones originated from the western border but did not provide further details.
The ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has contributed to instability in Saudi Arabia. Tensions have escalated since February when attacks against Iran were initiated by the US and Israel. The Saudi Ministry has announced the interception and destruction of several drones entering the country’s airspace in recent months.
In response to the US and Israeli attacks, Iran has also taken action, targeting Israel and US-aligned Gulf nations, including the UAE, and has even closed the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire was implemented on April 8 through mediation by Pakistan, but no permanent agreement was reached during talks in Islamabad. Subsequently, US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.