16.03.2026 05:31
Saudi Arabia announced that 19 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the eastern part of the country. The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported that there were no damages or casualties from the attacks, and on the 17th day of the escalating tensions in the region and the conflicts that began with the US-Israel attacks on Iran, it launched an electronic service to report missile and drone (UAV) attacks.
In a statement made by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense through the account of the US-based X company on its social media platform, it was stated that "19 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the eastern region."
NO CASUALTIES REPORTED
The statement did not provide information on whether there was any damage or casualties resulting from the drone attacks and their points of origin.
ELECTRONIC REPORTING SERVICE LAUNCHED
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense launched an electronic service for reporting missile and drone attacks on the 17th day of the escalating tensions in the region and the conflicts that began with the US-Israel attacks on Iran. In a statement from the ministry, it was noted that a new service was made available as of yesterday, allowing "suspicious aerial observations" to be reported through the official electronic application Tawakkalna.
The statement emphasized that through this service, citizens of Saudi Arabia and residents in the country could quickly report "suspicious aerial observations such as drones or missiles" to the authorities, contributing to rapid intervention for the protection of the country and the defense of national capabilities.
"A TRUE PARTNERSHIP" MESSAGE
Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, stated that the service strengthens the true partnership between citizens, residents in the country, and the defense system, noting that this reflects their important roles in national defense.
Maliki mentioned that the Saudi Armed Forces have advanced capabilities sufficient to repel potential air attacks against the country, but this service provides citizens and residents with the opportunity to report elements threatening the country. It was emphasized that the new service is a qualified step in incorporating advanced technologies into the threat detection process for citizens and residents. Since the beginning of the regional tensions, Saudi Arabia has been subjected to at least 25 missile and 290 drone attacks.
CRITICAL PHONE CALL
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan discussed regional developments with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdurrahman Al Sani.
According to a statement made by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the account of the US-based X company on its social media platform, the phone call addressed the latest developments in the region and efforts to ensure security and stability. No further details were shared regarding the content of the conversation.
US-ISRAEL ATTACKS ON IRAN
Israel and the US launched a military attack on Iran on February 28 while negotiations were ongoing between Tehran and Washington. Iran responded with attacks on targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, where US bases are located, in addition to Israel.
In the US-Israel attacks, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with many high-ranking officials, was killed. According to Iranian officials, the death toll from the US-Israel attacks exceeded 1,348, and the number of injured surpassed 17,000.