Photo taken on March 18, 2026 shows an explosion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi air defences intercepted 8 ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh on Wednesday evening, the country's Ministry of Defence announced. (Xinhua)

RIYADH, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Saudi air defences intercepted 8 ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh on Wednesday evening, the country's Ministry of Defence announced.

The ministry said on social media platform X that four ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh were intercepted and destroyed, and "part of one ballistic missile fell near a refinery south of Riyadh."

Earlier on Wednesday, it said four ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh were intercepted and destroyed, with debris falling in various areas of the capital.

Meanwhile, Saudi Civil Defense said four residents were injured and limited material damage was caused after debris from the interception of a ballistic missile fell on a residential site in Riyadh.

Several explosions were heard across the city, and mobile phone alerts were triggered for the first time for residents in the Saudi capital's urban area since the current regional conflict began.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following weeks of escalating exchanges between Iran and the U.S.-Israeli alliance. ■

Photo taken on March 18, 2026 shows an explosion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi air defences intercepted 8 ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh on Wednesday evening, the country's Ministry of Defence announced. (Xinhua)