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Saudi Arabia’s early-warning system for alerting civilians to potential attacks had been inactive for days before a series of missile strikes on Riyadh International Airport killed at least 18 people and injured more than 300, according to a Reuters report.
The Saudi government has not officially explained why residents received no advance warnings before four attacks on the capital over the past week.
Reuters said Saudi Civil Defence and the government’s media office did not comment despite being contacted for clarification.
Citing Western and Arab officials, Reuters reported that Riyadh had been trying to project an image of normality despite the conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
When officials from a Western ally questioned the suspension of alerts before the attacks, Saudi authorities reportedly said the warnings were disrupting daily life. Some residents had also complained about being awakened by mobile phone alerts late at night.
Saudi Arabia began sending early warnings to mobile phones through its national emergency management agency, Civil Defence, in May. However, the system remained silent on military threats after September 29, even as alerts about severe weather and rainfall continued.
Michael Ratney, a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said Riyadh’s attempt to prevent public panic and disruption in the face of Houthi attacks had instead increased fear and uncertainty by keeping the warning system inactive.
After an extended period of silence, Civil Defence resumed issuing alerts on Monday, warning of potential attacks in Riyadh and southern cities.
However, it remains unclear whether the warnings were reinstated in response to the airport attacks.
