Saudi Arabia’s warning system silenced before deadly Riyadh strikes: What we know | Today’s news
Saudi Arabia stopped issuing public warnings of imminent attacks days before a series of deadly strikes hit Riyadh, including at the kingdom’s international airport, raising questions about its readiness to protect residents and visitors amid escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
The attacks reportedly left at least 18 dead and more than 300 injured.
Saudi authorities have not explained why there were no public warnings before the four attacks on Riyadh last week.
The suspension of the warning comes as the kingdom faces growing security threats from the Iran-linked Houthis and struggles to maintain an image of stability.
Why has Saudi Arabia stopped issuing public warnings?
In May, Saudi Arabia launched a national early warning system that sends threat alerts to cellphones and social media accounts.
However, the system stopped issuing public security alerts despite increasing Houthi attacks in the days leading up to last week’s strikes.
The latest public warning of airport attacks was issued on September 29 for the southern province of Najran, according to posts on the X account of the Saudi Civil Defense Authority.
Two officials familiar with the matter told Reuters that the Western government had asked Saudi authorities for an explanation about the suspension of the warnings.
They were reportedly told that the alerts were intrusive and that some residents complained that they were being woken up at night.
Deficiencies in air defenses raise security concerns
Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend its vast territory and critical infrastructure is another problem, according to Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the government.
“You have to protect too much in Saudi Arabia. It’s a huge country with airports, pipelines and oil facilities,” Shihabi told Reuters.
He said the kingdom does not have enough Patriot air defense systems, interceptors and missile batteries to protect all potential targets simultaneously.
The challenge is particularly significant for Saudi Arabia, which must secure strategic infrastructure, including airports and energy facilities, against incoming missiles and other aerial threats.
New alerts after airport attacks
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense Authority issued new warnings on Monday about potential threats in Riyadh and cities in the south of the country.
Separately, reports said a Houthi strike hit a passenger terminal at Riyadh International Airport a day after an attack claimed by a Yemeni group killed 13 people, including an Indian national.
Read also | Riyadh Airport Closed Until October 17: Why Are Houthi Missiles Flying Through?
Saudi air defenses also reportedly intercepted a cruise missile near the airport, marking another security incident involving the facility during the week.
Air India cancels flights to Saudi Arabia till October 17
Due to the evolving security situation, Air India has canceled all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until 17 October 2026.
The airline said it was closely monitoring developments in the region and assessing when safe operations could resume.
Affected passengers will be offered a full refund upon cancellation, he added.
“We are closely monitoring and evaluating developments in the region to resume safe operations. Affected guests are being offered a full refund upon cancellation. At Air India, the safety and security of our passengers and crew remains the highest priority,” the airline said.
