Riyadh shoots down 26 drones as Iran intensifies strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure
Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercepted and destroyed at least 26 Iranian drones on Friday, the kingdom’s defense ministry confirmed, as attacks targeting Gulf nations continued. Neighboring Kuwait and the UAE also reported missile and drone threats earlier in the day.
The UAE defense ministry said its forces shot down four ballistic missiles and 26 drones from Iran on Friday. Since the start of the Iranian campaign, the UAE has faced 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,740 drones.
In Kuwait, Mina Al-Ahmadi Port Refinery, operated by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, was hit by an Iranian drone attack, sparking fires in multiple units. No injuries were reported, and firefighters brought the blaze under control. Bahrain also experienced damage when shrapnel from an Iranian attack ignited a warehouse fire.
Saudi authorities said most drones were shot down over the Eastern Province, home to major oil refineries, while one was intercepted over Al Jouf in the north. The strikes follow recent attacks on a Red Sea refinery in Saudi Arabia and two facilities in Kuwait. They come amid continued damage at Ras Laffan, Qatar’s natural gas hub, after Iran retaliated for Israeli airstrikes on its South Pars gas field.
Since February 28, Saudi Arabia has faced at least 509 drone attacks, alongside 42 ballistic missiles and seven cruise missiles, highlighting the sustained aerial campaign against Gulf energy infrastructure.
Source: Arab News