Drone attack targets US embassy in Riyadh; minor blaze reported

No injuries were reported, as the embassy building was vacant at the time (Representative Image)

• Drones hit US embassy in Riyadh, sparking small fire
• No injuries reported as the embassy was vacant during the attack
• US citizens in Saudi Arabia urged to stay indoors, avoid embassy

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The US embassy in Riyadh was attacked by two drones early Tuesday, resulting in a small fire.

The drone attack took place as Iran continued a series of missile and drone offensives against Gulf states with US military facilities, a campaign that followed joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend.

"The US Embassy in Riyadh was attacked by two drones, according to initial assessments. The attack resulted in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building," AFP quoted a statement by the Saudi defence ministry spokesman.

JUST IN: Smoke rises from the US embassy in Riyadh following a large explosion. pic.twitter.com/QnSONJ9dA3

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Flames and a loud explosion were reported at the US embassy, three individuals familiar with the matter told Reuters, with one of them saying the blaze was minor.

No injuries were reported, as the embassy building was vacant at the time, according to the report.

The ⁠embassy issued a "shelter in place" notice early on Tuesday for US citizens in ​Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, and recommended that ​they ⁠avoid the embassy until further notice due to the attack on the facility.

"The US mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a shelter in place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran and are limiting non-essential travel to any military installations in the region – we recommend American citizens in the Kingdom to shelter in place immediately and avoid the Embassy until further notice due to an attack on the facility," said a statement issued by the embassy.

The US mission to Saudi Arabia continues to monitor the regional situation, it said, adding, "We advise all US citizens to maintain a personal safety plan. Crises can happen unexpectedly while traveling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action."