US Consulate in Saudi Warns of Missile Threat

JAKARTA - The United States diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday warned of an "imminent" threat of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks over Dhahran, and advised against visiting the US consulate there.

"There is an imminent threat of missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran. Do not come to the US Consulate. Immediately take shelter in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not leave your home," the diplomatic mission said in a security alert reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Tuesday, March 3.

The diplomatic mission also stated that its personnel were taking refuge in their respective places and urged US citizens to do the same. They were also asked to review security plans in the event of an attack and to remain vigilant.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Saudi Ministry of Defense said two drones had hit the US Embassy in Riyadh, triggering a small fire and causing minor damage to the building.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the kingdom had the right to take retaliatory measures following Iran's attacks on its territory.

As a result of the attack on the embassy, part of the roof of the main building collapsed and caused the interior of the building to be filled with smoke, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday, citing an internal memo from the US State Department.

"The latest information indicates that the diplomatic mission suffered more extensive damage than initially estimated," the report added.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched an attack on a number of targets in Iran, including in Tehran, which caused damage and civilian casualties. Iran then retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military bases throughout the Middle East.