Greek-operated air defence system shoots down missiles over Saudi

July 25, 2026 at 2:15 PM

An air defence system ​operated by Greek military ‌personnel in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen ​on Saturday towards oil refineries in Yanbu, ​Greek security sources told Reuters.

Saudi ⁠Civil Defence had issued an emergency alert in ​Yanbu to warn residents of danger.

“The ​attack was launched with two ballistic missiles and targeted the refineries in ​Yanbu,” one of the ​sources said, adding that the missiles had been launched ‌from ⁠Yemen.

A second source confirmed the interception of the missiles.

Greece has deployed a U.S.-made Patriot air ​defence ​battery, operated ⁠by Greek personnel, in Saudi Arabia since ​2021 under an agreement ​to ⁠help protect the kingdom’s energy infrastructure. Saturday’s interception was the second time ⁠that ​Greek personnel had operated ​the system. (Reuters)