Loud explosions heard over Saudi capital Riyadh: AFP

Published March 18, 2026 Updated March 18, 2026 09:48pm

Saudi Arabia said its air defences were countering ballistic missiles after AFP journalists heard loud explosions echoing over the capital Riyadh as Iran’s Gulf campaign ground on.

“Air defences are dealing with a ballistic threat in Riyadh,” the Saudi defence ministry said, quoting a spokesperson in a statement on X.

Residents also received a phone alert warning that “the area is under hostile aerial threat”.

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