Saudi Arabia intercepts 92 drones as Iran escalates Gulf attacks

Saturday 21 March 2026 - 13:00

By: Dakir Madiha

Saudi Arabia intercepts 92 drones as Iran escalates Gulf attacks

Saudi Arabia’s armed forces intercepted 92 drones within 24 hours as Iran intensified its aerial campaign against energy infrastructure across the Gulf, highlighting the scale and persistence of the conflict.

According to official statements cited by Arab News, Saudi defenses shot down 51 drones early Saturday in the kingdom’s eastern province, home to major oil fields and refineries. Later in the day, an additional 22 drones were intercepted in the same region. Combined with earlier incidents, the total number of intercepted drones since Friday reached 92.

Since the conflict began on February 28, Saudi Arabia has intercepted at least 575 drones, along with 42 ballistic missiles and seven cruise missiles, reflecting sustained pressure on its air defense systems.

The escalation has spread across the region. The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting four ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran on Friday. Since the start of hostilities, the UAE has recorded 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,740 drones intercepted. Authorities reported eight fatalities, including civilians and military personnel, and 158 injuries.

In Kuwait, drone strikes hit the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery for a second consecutive day, igniting fires in multiple units. The attacks occurred during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. While no casualties were immediately reported, emergency crews worked to contain the damage. Kuwaiti forces said they were responding to continued missile and drone threats.

Bahrain also reported significant defensive activity, with 242 drones and 143 missiles intercepted since the conflict began.

The ongoing air campaign follows joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran launched on February 28. Iran has since carried out waves of retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting military bases, energy facilities, diplomatic sites, and civilian areas across multiple Gulf states.

Recent escalation was triggered by Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field earlier in the week. Iranian officials warned of further retaliation, raising concerns about prolonged instability in regional energy markets.

Analysts warn that Iran’s ability to produce large numbers of low-cost drones could sustain the conflict over time. The use of mass drone attacks, particularly when combined with missile strikes, risks overwhelming air defense systems and prolonging the strain on regional security infrastructure.