Riyadh/Doha, March 4 (SANA) Qatar and Saudi Arabia said Wednesday that their defense systems intercepted Iranian drones and missiles targeting key facilities, in the latest escalation following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said the country was targeted at dawn by 10 drones and two cruise missiles launched from Iran, adding that its armed forces successfully intercepted all incoming threats.
According to a ministry statement cited by Qatar News Agency (QNA), air defense systems intercepted six drones, the air force shot down two drones and two cruise missiles, while the navy destroyed two additional drones.
The ministry said the Qatari armed forces possess the capabilities needed to protect the country’s sovereignty and territory and to respond decisively to any external threat.
In Saudi Arabia, the Defense Ministry said a drone attack targeting the Ras Tanura oil refinery had been thwarted, adding that preliminary assessments indicated no damage from the attempt.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki as saying the attack was carried out by a drone but caused no damage or disruption.
The incidents come amid rising regional tensions after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran since Saturday, while Tehran has escalated missile and drone attacks against several Arab countries, targeting infrastructure, civilian and diplomatic facilities, as well as energy installations.
