Two killed after drone interception in Saudi Arabia

On Wednesday, a drone intercepted by Saudi air defenses resulted in two fatalities and two injuries near Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oilfield in the Eastern Province. The victims were identified as Filipino and Nepali nationals, while the injured included Pakistani and Indian citizens. According to a statement released on X by the Ministry of Energy, the drone targeted the processing plant, causing a fire in a contractor's vehicle outside its premises. However, the ministry assured that the incident did not affect operations at the oilfield.

The U.S. State Department has mandated non-emergency government employees and their family members to depart Saudi Arabia, citing a rise in hostile activities from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, clarified that the order pertains exclusively to non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families.

The State Department's directive addresses the escalating hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian infrastructure, which have resulted in casualties and significant travel disruptions.