Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles launched toward the Kingdom’s Eastern Region, adding that assessments were under way to determine any damage.
However, the missiles and drones — suspected to have been launched by Iran — triggered a major fire in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia’s largest industrial hub and one of the world’s biggest petrochemical centres. Thick black smoke was seen rising across the city as emergency crews battled the blaze. Authorities ordered evacuations in parts of the area and suspended nearby industrial operations to prevent a chain reaction involving oil and gas facilities. Local sources indicated that at least one missile may have struck or detonated near critical infrastructure, intensifying concerns about energy security in the region.
