Riyadh: The Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed three additional drones over Riyadh and the Eastern Province, bringing the total number of intercepted drones to 64 since early Monday, according to a statement by the Saudi Defense Ministry's spokesperson on US social media platform X.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Saudi Defense Ministry had earlier on Monday morning announced, through separate posts on X, the interception and destruction of drones over the Eastern Province. The total count of intercepted drones has reached 64 since Monday morning, covering both Riyadh and the Eastern Province, as per the ministry's statements.

The interceptions come amidst heightened tensions following the joint attacks by Israel and the US on Iran on February 28, which resulted in approximately 1,300 fatalities, including the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.