Alarm Bells in Saudi Palaces / Controversial Report on Bin Salman's Condition
As Ansarallah's missile attacks on Riyadh intensify, Mohammed bin Salman has limited his movements to palaces equipped with bunkers.
Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, following the escalation of Yemen's Ansarullah missile attacks on Riyadh, has limited his visits to heavily guarded palaces equipped with strong shelters and has been placed under special security measures.
According to this report, the security measures around the Saudi Crown Prince have increased significantly, and his last public appearance was last Tuesday, when he participated in a national blood donation campaign.
The newspaper also reported that at least one missile hit Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday. This attack left at least 12 dead and hundreds of injured, some of whom are reported to be in serious condition. Two terminal buildings were also severely damaged and parts of their roofs collapsed. Among the victims was a 28-year-old Egyptian flight attendant who died of severe bleeding after one of his hands was amputated.
The Wall Street Journal wrote that recent attacks have turned parts of Riyadh into war zones. Following these attacks, residents have been forced to take shelter and evacuation orders have been issued for some buildings in the city's financial district, international schools and diplomatic centers. Shrapnel from a ballistic missile intercepted on Thursday also hit a kindergarten and a medical complex.
Warning about the reduction of interceptor missiles
This newspaper, citing Saudi officials, warned that the reserves of Saudi interceptor missiles are decreasing. Along these lines, air defense barrages have been moved between strategic areas, including royal palaces and critical energy facilities, to deal with simultaneous attacks on multiple targets.
The threat to Saudi economic plans
According to the Wall Street Journal, the escalation of tensions has threatened Mohammed bin Salman's plans to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues. Projects such as "Neom" and large development projects in Riyadh have not been spared from the consequences of this situation.
Ansarullah's attacks have targeted airports, oil refineries, and the east-west pipeline of Saudi Arabia; A route that allows the export of crude oil through the Red Sea and bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The threat of shipping in the Red Sea has also added to Riyadh's economic worries.
Meanwhile, the holding of a major international investment conference in late October is facing doubts. Concerns about travel disruptions and reduced investor confidence have increased in the context that foreign investment has decreased in the first half of the year and some major projects have been postponed or under review. The Saudi Ministry of Finance has predicted a 3.6% contraction of the country's economy in 2026.
Washington's reluctance to provide direct military support
The Wall Street Journal reported that despite sending military advisers to Saudi Arabia, the United States has not yet responded to Riyadh's requests for direct support aimed at pushing back Ansarullah from its gains in the field in Yemen.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump announced Washington's contacts with Ansarullah and did not rule out the possibility of US participation in Saudi attacks against this movement. He described the attack on Riyadh airport as a "very bad" action.
According to this report, in order to strengthen its defense capability, Riyadh is seeking Pakistan's support and providing more air defense systems from abroad, and at the same time, it is pursuing diplomatic solutions to contain the conflict.
In the conclusion of its report, the Wall Street Journal wrote that the intensification of Ansarullah's attacks has made Bin Salman face two main challenges: protecting the capital and vital facilities and preventing damage to Saudi Arabia's economic stability and position as a destination for investment and international business activities.