Saudi Arabia Shoots Down Multiple Drones as Tensions Rise in Middle East

Saudi Arabia's defense ministry said it intercepted and destroyed multiple drones targeting petroleum facilities in its eastern region, with the attacks launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias.

The incident marks the second day of drone strikes against Saudi targets, with the Houthis claiming to have forced a Saudi oil tanker to turn back as part of their self-styled blockade of the kingdom.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen announced a blockade of Saudi shipping last week, putting another key Middle Eastern waterway at risk. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center reported that a tanker heard explosions while traveling in the southern Red Sea, though it did not name the vessel.