Saudi forces intercept three missiles targeting US base near Riyadh

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday that its forces intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base southeast of Riyadh, a key US military facility in the kingdom. "Three ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base have been intercepted and destroyed," the Defense Ministry wrote on X, citing a ministry spokesperson, marking the latest in a series of Iranian retaliatory strikes targeting Gulf states hosting US assets.

Drone interceptions

In another post, the ministry also announced the interception and destruction of three drones in the eastern parts of the country. The sustained campaign of aerial threats has kept Saudi air defenses on high alert throughout the conflict, with multiple interceptions reported since hostilities began.

Strategic target

Prince Sultan Air Base hosts US military personnel and assets, making it a significant target in Iran's campaign against American forces in the region. The base has been a focal point of US air operations in the Middle East and its targeting reflects Tehran's strategy of striking at US military infrastructure across Gulf states.

Conflict context

The developments came as regional escalation has intensified since Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,200 people according to Iranian authorities, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and injuring over 10,000 others. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, with analysts estimating more than 3,000 projectiles launched. Gulf states continue to rely heavily on air defense systems while attempting to avoid direct participation in the conflict.