The United States Embassy in Riyadh has suspended all services and ordered American citizens to shelter in place following a drone attack early Tuesday. The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed that two drones, believed to be launched by Iran, struck the embassy compound, igniting a fire and causing what was described as minor material damage.
While no casualties were reported within the embassy, the incident has triggered a significant security response. Reuters reported that explosions were heard across Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter shortly before smoke was seen billowing from the complex. In response, the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia announced it would remain closed throughout Tuesday, canceling all routine and emergency appointments.
The strike comes amid a sharp escalation in regional hostilities following joint U.S.-Israeli operations over the weekend. President Donald Trump addressed the incident Tuesday morning, warning of an imminent American response.
Security alerts now extend beyond the capital, with “shelter-in-place” notifications active for U.S. citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. Authorities continue to investigate the flight path of the drones as regional tensions reach a new peak.
