A recent report indicates that Saudi Arabia stopped issuing public warnings of imminent military attacks just days before a series of deadly strikes targeted Riyadh airport. The attacks, attributed to Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, resulted in at least 18 fatalities and over 300 injuries, according to the report.
The cessation of the national early warning system, which had been active since May, has drawn scrutiny and concern. The last public alert before the Riyadh airport strikes was issued on September 29 for the southern province of Najran, as documented on the civil defence authority's X account.
Silence Amid Escalation
Despite an escalation in Houthi attacks, the Saudi government has not provided an official explanation for the sudden silence of its warning system. This lack of transparency has fueled uncertainty about Saudi Arabia’s vulnerability to such assaults, even as authorities strive to project an image of normalcy and reassure international investors and visitors.
Western and Arab officials and analysts cited in the report highlighted the growing nervousness among residents due to the absence of alerts. A former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney, noted that while Riyadh might aim to respond to Houthis without causing societal disruption, the lack of warnings was paradoxically creating the very anxiety authorities sought to avoid.
Reasons for Suspension and International Concern
Officials familiar with the matter revealed that a Western government had formally questioned Saudi authorities about the suspension of alerts prior to the airport attacks. The response reportedly cited that warnings were disruptive and that citizens had complained about being woken at night. Saudi authorities did not comment on these assertions.
In contrast, other Gulf nations have continued to issue warnings during attacks. Qatar utilizes mobile alerts, while Bahrain and Kuwait employ sirens to urge residents to seek shelter.
Internal Alerts and Defense Challenges
Western embassies in Saudi Arabia have maintained their own internal missile and drone alerts for staff, drawing on intelligence from their respective governments and information from Saudi authorities. However, sources familiar with these protocols stated that even embassies received no internal warning before the initial Saturday airport strike.
Saudi analyst Ali Shihabi pointed out the immense challenge of comprehensive air defense given the kingdom's vast size and the multitude of critical infrastructure points, including airports, pipelines, and oil facilities, that require protection.
Despite the recent attacks, Riyadh proceeded with hosting an international energy conference. While several major oil executives withdrew, Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman acknowledged that the gathering did not signify the disappearance of risks, affirming the kingdom's commitment to its economic ambitions.