Greek Patriot System Shoots Down Missile: A Greek-operated air defence system stopped a ballistic missile and a drone near Yanbu in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, September 24. Greek security sources told Reuters that the incident took place in the wider Yanbu region. The area is important for Saudi Arabia because it has large oil refining and energy facilities.
The incident comes as Saudi Arabia is facing a rise in missile and drone threats in different parts of the country. The Greek Patriot battery is already deployed in Saudi Arabia to help protect important energy sites.
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Greek Patriot System Intercepts Two Targets
According to Greek security sources, the Patriot air defence system detected and intercepted both incoming targets near Yanbu.
One source told Reuters, “Both were shot down,” and said the Greek Patriot system fired two interceptor missiles. The source didn’t give any information about where the ballistic missile or the drone had come from. A second Greek security source also confirmed the incident.
The use of the system is important because Yanbu is home to major oil refining facilities. The Red Sea city also plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s energy network. Recent attacks and security warnings have increased concerns around energy infrastructure in the region. Reuters reported earlier this week that Saudi Arabia had restarted parts of its East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack caused damage to pumping stations.
Alerts Issued In Mecca, Jeddah And Other Areas
Before the interception was reported, Saudi Civil Defence issued warnings about possible danger in several parts of the country.
The alerts covered:
- Mecca
- Tabuk
- Jeddah
- Yanbu
- Taif
The warning included the holy city of Mecca as well as areas along the Red Sea and northwestern Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities urged people in affected areas to follow official safety instructions.
Saudi Arabia has seen several recent alerts and missile threats. On September 19, Saudi authorities also confirmed that a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi forces had been intercepted near Riyadh. No casualties or major damage were reported in that incident.
Greece Has Kept Patriot Battery In Saudi Arabia Since 2021
Greece sent a US-made Patriot air defence battery to Saudi Arabia in 2021. Greek military personnel operate the system as part of the country’s defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
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The original mission was set up to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s air and ballistic missile defence and protect critical energy infrastructure. Greece’s Defence Ministry said the mission began in September 2021. In March 2026, Greece said the mission had been extended until November 2026.
Thursday’s interception was reported as the fifth time the Greek-operated system had been used in combat since the United States and Israel began their war with Iran at the end of February. The growing use of the battery comes as European countries take a bigger role in helping defend Gulf security and energy facilities
