Saudi air defenses intercept 16 drones targeting Shaybah field

RIYADH — Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed 16 drones targeting the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter, the Defense Ministry said in a series of statements on Saturday.Defense Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said four drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter while heading toward Shaybah field.In a separate statement, he said six more drones were intercepted and destroyed in another attempted attack on the field.He later announced the interception and destruction of another four drones heading toward Shaybah, followed by two additional drones also bound for the field.Al-Maliki also said Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base.In a separate incident, he said one drone was intercepted and destroyed east of Riyadh.Earlier on Friday, Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile east of Al-Kharj governorate.The interceptions come amid ongoing regional tensions.