Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles launched towards the capital Riyadh on Wednesday, hours before a high-level meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence said the missiles were neutralised mid-air by air defence systems, with debris falling in different parts of the city.

“Scattered debris fell across various areas of the capital, with initial assessments ​indicating no casualties or damage,” the ministry said.

Residents reported hearing loud explosions, while authorities issued mobile alerts warning of a hostile aerial threat, a first for many in the capital. Sirens were also sounded, and citizens and expatriates were advised to avoid crowded areas.

State media earlier confirmed that Saudi air defences had responded to a “ballistic threat” over Riyadh.

Witnesses said they saw interceptions in the western part of the city, near the Diplomatic Quarter, which houses several foreign missions.

The attack comes against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions, as Saudi Arabia prepares to host a consultative meeting of foreign ministers from multiple Arab and Islamic countries.

According to diplomatic sources, representatives from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are expected to attend the meeting, aimed at discussing regional security and stability amid the ongoing Iran conflict.

Saudi Arabia has faced repeated missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran last month, though officials say most have been successfully intercepted.