Greek-operated air defense system intercepts missile, drone over Saudi Arabia

Key facts

• A Greek-operated Patriot air defense system intercepted a ballistic missile and a drone on Thursday.
• The interception occurred in the wider Yanbu region of Saudi Arabia.
• The system is operated by Greek military personnel.
• This is the fifth combat use of the Greek-operated system since late February.
• Greece deployed the US-made Patriot battery in Saudi Arabia in 2021 to protect energy facilities.

An air defense system operated by Greek military personnel in Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile and a drone on Thursday in the wider Yanbu region, home to major oil refining facilities, Greek security sources told Reuters.

Earlier on Thursday, Saudi civil defense issued alerts warning of potential danger in the holy city of Mecca, the northwestern area of Tabuk, the Red Sea areas of Jeddah and Yanbu, and the southern area of Taif.