Iranian Drone Hits CIA Station in Riyadh US Embassy Complex

JAKARTA - The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) station located at the US Embassy Complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was hit by an Iranian drone attack launched on Monday, according to sources familiar with the matter.

There were no casualties, although there was significant damage to the building, which is in the same complex as the embassy, the source said, quoted by CNN (4/3).

The Washington Post (WP) first reported that the station was hit by the attack. If confirmed, the incident would mark a symbolic escalation by Iran for targeting US personnel and facilities across the region.

On the other hand, the CIA declined to comment on the matter.

According to the WP report, officials from the United States and Saudi Arabia confirmed that two drones hit the embassy complex in Riyadh, but did not publicly reveal that the CIA station was among the facilities affected, quoted by Al Mayadeen.

An internal State Department memo obtained by the WP said the attack partially collapsed the embassy's roof and filled part of the compound with smoke.

The notice described "structural damage" and said personnel were instructed to take shelter in place.

The extent of the damage was unclear. There were no immediate reports of injuries among CIA personnel.

Although the attack was a limited operational setback for the agency's presence in Saudi Arabia, analysts noted its potential symbolic significance for Tehran.

Iran has long viewed the CIA as a major enemy, especially given Washington's covert support for the 1953 coup that ousted Iran's elected prime minister.