As missiles fly over Saudi capital, images remain surprisingly rare

RIYADH, Oct 16 — Mobile phones buzzed across central Riyadh with warnings of a "hostile aerial attack," followed by explosions and white plumes from interceptor missiles streaking across the night sky. However, most residents refrained from pulling out their phones to document these scenes, displaying unusual restraint in a country where people typically capture and share daily moments online.

Government warnings against filming such incidents seem to be effective, with scant footage or photos of strikes or air defenses being posted. Saudi Arabia has endured near-daily missile and drone attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters for over 10 days. The deadliest strike hit Riyadh airport on Saturday, killing 13 people and wounding 300 in the worst attack on the kingdom in over a decade.

In central Riyadh this week, foreign laborers watched and pointed as interceptor missiles flew overhead, while many nearby Saudis remained silent. "It was a tense and frightening situation. We heard the explosions and saw the missiles on the horizon," a witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP. "It was a frightening moment that doesn't often occur, but I didn't think to film it due to the instructions."

In Saudi Arabia, where over 60% of residents are under 30, popular apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and X were used to disseminate warnings against filming drone, missile, interceptor, and impact sites. The kingdom's interior ministry has repeatedly cautioned residents against filming and sharing images related to countering missiles and drones.

Five people were injured earlier this week after debris from interceptor missiles fell over the capital. Yet, beyond official releases, photographs of these events have not been widely shared. Other Saudi social media users have taken to online platforms, criticizing news organizations and journalists who publish reports deemed damaging to the kingdom.

Residents have also joined in, flagging incidents and informing authorities of foreign residents who may harbor sympathies for the Houthis. "We are being cautious," said a resident in the gleaming new metro, as a phone warning triggered visible anxiety among passengers. Despite the tension, no one discussed the ongoing attacks openly.

"We know that talking about these issues right now causes problems," said the resident. The capital's traffic congestion has been notably lighter this week due to remote learning and employees working from home. Life continues, with restaurants and shopping centers still crowded. "We hear and obey the leadership," said a photography enthusiast from Riyadh. "If they say no filming, we will not raise our phone cameras."