Saudi warning system stayed silent before deadly airport attacks

Saudi Arabia ceased issuing public warnings of impending military assaults days prior to a series of catastrophic strikes on Riyadh airport, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and over 300 injuries. The government has not disclosed the reason behind the lack of alerts prior to the four Riyadh attacks in the past week. The absence of warnings highlighted the violence undermining the kingdom's efforts to maintain an image of tranquility among its citizens and the world during its conflict with Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen.

The lack of alerts raised questions about Saudi Arabia's vulnerability to attack and its capacity to safeguard residents and visitors, according to four Western and Arab officials in the region and political analysts who spoke with Reuters. It also mirrored efforts to preserve a sense of normalcy, they added.