The Saudi defence ministry has said the US embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones, which resulted in a “limited fire” and minor material damage.

Black smoke can be seen rising over Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, which houses foreign missions, two sources told Reuters.

Three people familiar with the matter said a loud blast was heard and flames were seen at the embassy early on Tuesday morning. One of the sources said the fire was minor.

Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the circumstances of the incident.

A fire broke out at the US embassy in the Saudi capital Riyadh after an explosion was heard, two sources have told Reuters.

Black smoke can be seen rising over Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, which houses foreign missions, two sources told Reuters.

Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the circumstances of the incident.

An embassy spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the Saudi government media office.

Americans told to take shelter

The US embassy in Riyadh has issued a security alert recommending that American citizens in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place immediately.

The envoy is also limiting non-essential travel to any military installations in the region, it said in a statement posted on the social media site X.

Trump warns of retaliation

United States President Donald Trump has suggested that the US would retaliate “soon” after its embassy in the Saudi capital Riyadh was struck by two suspected Iranian drones.

Speaking to the media, Trump said, “You’ll find out soon” how the US would respond, without providing further detail, after the US embassy confirmed the drone attack.