Khaberni - Two informed sources reported that an attack, suspected to be with an Iranian drone, targeted the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) station inside the US Embassy complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The "Washington Post" quoted the sources saying that US and Saudi officials confirmed that two drones hit the embassy complex, without officially revealing that the intelligence station was among the targets. The CIA has not commented on the incident.
According to an internal alert issued by the US Department of State, the attack caused part of the building's roof to collapse and smoke contamination inside, with structural damage recorded, while employees were asked to take shelter in place. There were no immediate indications of injuries among the agency's personnel.
The attack comes amid an expanding scope of Iranian retaliation against American targets and interests in the Middle East, following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Observers believe that targeting the CIA headquarters carries a symbolic significance for Tehran, historically viewing the agency as a major adversary.
Former US intelligence officials indicated that the attack represents a disruption to the agency's operations in Saudi Arabia, but it does not constitute a crippling blow, given the existence of alternative arrangements and close coordination relationships with the Saudi side, allowing intelligence operations to continue flexibly.
