Saudi defenses intercept missile, down 14 drones across eastern and northern regions

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said Monday that air defenses intercepted one ballistic missile over Riyadh, while another fell in an uninhabited area. The ministry also confirmed the downing of 13 drones over the Eastern Province and one over the Northern Borders. The first interceptions began overnight, with seven drones shot down over the Eastern Province. Several hours later, a drone was intercepted over the Northern Borders. After an hour, a drones was intercepted over the Eastern Province followed by another in the same region. Later in the morning, the Ministry’s offocial spokesperson, Turki Al-malki, reported that two ballistic missiles were launched toward Riyadh, with one intercepted and the other falling in uninhabited areas. Within the same hour, a drone was detected and intercepted over the Eastern Province. By midday, the ministry confirmed the interception of three additional drones over the same region.