Saudi Arabia Halted Public Threat Alerts Before Deadly Riyadh Airport Attacks
Saudi Arabia stopped issuing public warnings of imminent military attacks days before a series of strikes on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that killed at least 18 people and injured more than 300.
The warning system’s last alert before the attacks was issued on September 29. Saudi authorities resumed issuing public threat alerts on October 12, but the government has not publicly explained why warnings were suspended.
Western and Arab officials, along with regional analysts, told Reuters that the silence may have reflected efforts to preserve a sense of normalcy and maintain confidence among residents, visitors and foreign investors.
The absence of warnings has raised serious questions about public safety and Saudi Arabia’s ability to protect civilians as Houthi attacks intensify.