Defense Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said claims circulating about an attack on the strategic air base south of Riyadh were inaccurate and not supported by the findings of an official investigation.The clarification followed a brief warning issued by Saudi authorities shortly after dawn through the National Early Warning Platform, which advised residents in Al-Kharj to follow safety instructions and seek shelter.

The alert was lifted minutes later.Al-Maliki said air raid sirens sounded after authorities detected a ballistic missile launch from Yemen. Initial tracking data created uncertainty about the projectile’s intended destination, prompting precautionary measures.

Subsequent investigations determined that the missile had been launched toward another country in the region but malfunctioned during flight and deviated from its original course due to technical issues, according to the ministry.The missile eventually landed in an unpopulated area near the Saudi-Yemeni border, Al-Maliki said, adding that no damage or casualties were reported.

The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions after Israel and Iran exchanged attacks on Monday for the first time since a ceasefire brokered by Washington two months earlier. The renewed hostilities raised concerns about a broader escalation across the Middle East and the future of ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran.Saudi Arabia has remained on heightened alert throughout the regional conflict.

During March, Saudi air defenses intercepted multiple drones and missiles launched by Iran and allied groups targeting locations across the Kingdom as fighting expanded beyond Iran and Israel.Riyadh, along with other Arab governments, has repeatedly condemned attacks targeting regional states, describing them as destabilizing actions that threaten security, energy infrastructure and commercial activity across the Middle East.

Prince Sultan Air Base is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important military installations and has played a significant role in regional defense operations and security coordination with international partners.