By Mohammad Tarique Saleem
Saudi Arabia’s air defense forces intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles and nine drones on March 15, as Iran continued a series of nightly attacks targeting Gulf countries. The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed that the incoming threats were successfully neutralized before they could cause damage to strategic locations in the Kingdom. According to official statements posted on X, all six missiles were intercepted over Al-Kharj, a key military area that hosts the Prince Sultan Air Base.
The base is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important military installations and plays a vital role in the country’s air defense operations. Most of the drones were shot down over the Eastern Province, a region known for its major oil refineries and energy infrastructure. Another drone was intercepted above the capital, Riyadh, highlighting the wide geographical spread of the attempted strikes. The attacks are part of an ongoing campaign that has lasted for more than a week. Iran has been launching missiles and drones toward several Gulf states in response to air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets that began on February 28.
The strikes have followed a repeated pattern, calm during the daytime followed by renewed attacks after sunset. The tensions are not limited to Saudi Arabia alone. In Manama, explosions were seen lighting up the night sky early March 15 as air defense systems engaged incoming projectiles. Authorities in Bahrain reported that since the start of the campaign, they have intercepted 125 missiles and 203 drones. The attacks have so far claimed two lives in Bahrain and 24 others across neighboring Gulf countries. Saudi officials also reported additional interceptions over the past few days. Since Friday evening, the Kingdom’s air defenses have destroyed 20 drones and one ballistic missile targeting various locations.
The Ministry of Defense said the latest round of attacks began around 7 p.m. Friday, nearly ten hours after the previous strike earlier that morning. Saudi Press Agency reports quoted the defense ministry’s spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, confirming that drones were intercepted across multiple regions. Seventeen were shot down in the Eastern Province, two over the Empty Quarter desert near the Shaybah oilfield, and one in the northern province of Al-Jouf.
Although the Saudi government has not formally named the source of the attacks, officials and analysts widely believe they originate from Iran. According to data compiled from statements and reports by the Saudi Press Agency, Saudi defenses have intercepted roughly 150 drones and about 25 missiles since the conflict began. Elsewhere in the region, Qatar said it intercepted a missile aimed at its territory, while Kuwait reported shooting down a hostile drone within an area under its armed forces’ jurisdiction.
In the Dubai, authorities said debris from a successful interception struck the facade of a building in the city center. Officials confirmed that no injuries occurred and the situation was quickly contained. As the exchanges continue, Gulf nations remain on high alert, relying on advanced air defense systems to safeguard their cities, energy infrastructure, and millions of residents from the growing regional conflict.
