Saudi Arabia Downs Drones Targeting Riyadh and Eastern Oil Sites

Saudi Arabia's air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones that tried to strike petroleum facilities in Riyadh and the Eastern Province, the Defense Ministry said. Spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said the drones were launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias. No casualties or damage were reported, and authorities did not disclose how many aircraft were downed. Saudi officials said the kingdom reserves the right to defend its territory and energy infrastructure and to respond at a time and place of its choosing.