US embassy in Saudi capital hit by drones

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States Embassy in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was hit by two Iranian drones on Tuesday, a media report said.

The US Department of State urged its citizens in more than 10 countries to leave those countries.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said two drones struck the US embassy in Riyadh this morning, causing a “limited fire” and minor damage but no casualties.

A loud blast was heard and flames were seen at the US embassy in Riyadh early on Tuesday morning, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, with one person saying the fire was minor.

It said the embassy building was empty at the time of the attack and no casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump told cable network NewsNation that the US would retaliate “soon” for the attack on the US embassy in Riyadh and the deaths of US service members.

Earlier, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia had issued an advisory urging American citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran to shelter in place and avoid visiting the embassy until further notice.

Reuters, citing the US Department of State, also reported that American citizens had been advised to leave more than 10 countries, including Israeli areas and the Gaza Strip in the Middle East, for their safety.

Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria and Yemen are among the countries listed.

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