RIYADH, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles launched toward the capital Riyadh on Wednesday evening, the Ministry of Defense announced.
Several explosions were heard across the city, and mobile phone alerts were triggered for the first time for residents in the Saudi capital's urban area since the current regional conflict began.
In a post on social media platform X, the ministry said that its air defenses were "dealing with a ballistic threat" in Riyadh, later confirming that four ballistic missiles had been intercepted and destroyed.
Debris from the interceptions fell in various areas of Riyadh, with initial estimates indicating no damage or injuries, it added.
The Saudi Civil Defense later confirmed that "the danger has passed in Riyadh City," urging residents to avoid gathering or filming, stay away from hazardous areas, and report any danger by calling emergency services.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following weeks of escalating exchanges between Iran and the U.S.-Israeli alliance. ■
