The US Armed Forces are expected to proceed “soon” with retaliation for the attack that occurred against the country in Riyadh, which suffered a nighttime drone raid with no casualties reported, according to a statement made by American President Donald Trump in his interview with the NewsNation television network.
When asked about when retaliation would occur, the Republican president simply stated: “You’ll find out soon.”
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense reported a “limited” fire and minor damage to the American embassy in the kingdom following a two-drone raid.
⚡️ ⭕️ Saudi: Smoke rises from the US embassy in Riyadh following a large explosion. pic.twitter.com/Y2w5x8yHuY
— Middle East Observer (@ME_Observer_) March 3, 2026
“Limited” fire, minor damage at US embassy in Saudi capital following drone attack
A “limited” fire broke out Monday night into Tuesday at the American embassy in Riyadh, due to a two-drone attack, announced Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense.
“The American embassy in Riyadh was attacked by two drones (…) resulting in a limited fire and minor damage to the building,” the ministry stated.
المتحدث الرسمي لوزارة الدفاع: تعرّضت السفارة الأمريكية في الرياض لهجوم بمسيّرتين بحسب التقديرات الأولية، ونتج عن ذلك حريق محدود وأضرار مادية بسيطة في المبنى. pic.twitter.com/YuCukrePkH
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 3, 2026
Eyewitnesses told the French Press Agency they saw smoke over the facility. Shortly after, new explosions echoed, this time in the center of the Saudi capital. A resident said they “heard an explosion and felt the house shake.”
An AFP source in the Saudi military, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue, reported that air defense intercepted four unmanned aerial vehicles targeting the embassy district in the western part of the kingdom’s capital.
The American diplomatic mission issued guidance to American citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran to seek shelter where they reside and to “avoid the embassy until further notice due to an attack” on the facility.
Update | Security Alert: Shelter in Place – U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (Mar.3, 2026)
The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a shelter in place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran and are limiting non-essential travel to any military installations…
— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) March 3, 2026
The Irish embassy in Riyadh also called on Irish citizens to seek shelter due to ongoing attacks.
The Embassy is aware of limited damage to a diplomatic property in the DQ overnight
The Embassy continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they arise
In the interim please follow any advice from authorities including any instructions to shelter in place
— IrishEmbRiyadh (@IrishEmbRiyadh) March 3, 2026
Since the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran began on Saturday, Iranian missiles were launched against Riyadh’s international airport and Prince Sultan Air Base, where American military personnel are stationed, but were intercepted.
