Riyadh, March 16 (SANA) Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercepted and destroyed 64 drones launched from Iran targeting the Kingdom’s Eastern Province, the Ministry of Defense said Monday.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Defense Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said 61 drones aimed at the Eastern Province on the Arabian Gulf coast were intercepted and destroyed.
Three additional drones were shot down earlier in the day over the Riyadh and Eastern provinces, he added.
The ministry also announced the launch of a new reporting service through the government’s Tawakkalna mobile application, allowing citizens and residents to report suspicious aerial objects, including drones or projectiles.
Officials said the system is intended to speed up the reporting of potential threats and improve response times. The ministry added that Saudi armed forces have advanced capabilities to respond to aerial threats.
Authorities said the initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between the public and security agencies and improve the use of technology in monitoring potential security risks.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a wave of military escalation since Feb. 28 linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The period has seen Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting several Arab and regional countries.
Last week, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution condemning Iran’s attack on Gulf states and Jordan, describing them as violations of international law and a threat to international peace.
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