RIYADH: The official spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Turki Al-Maliki, said Saudi air defense forces intercepted and destroyed three drones after they entered the Kingdom’s airspace from Iraqi territory.
According to the spokesperson, the incident occurred on the morning of Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the drones were successfully intercepted and neutralized before they could pose any threat to the security and safety of the Kingdom.
He reaffirmed that the Saudi Ministry of Defense reserved the right to respond at the appropriate time and place to any act threatening the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The Ministry of Defense will take and implement all necessary operational measures to respond to any attempt to infringe upon the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security, and the safety of citizens and residents,” he said.
The spokesperson emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its airspace and maintaining regional security and stability.
