The Media Line: Riyadh Suspends In-Person Classes Following Renewed Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia 

Riyadh Suspends In-Person Classes Following Renewed Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia 

By The Media Line Staff 

Saudi authorities ordered schools in Riyadh to switch to remote learning for a week on Sunday, a day after Saudi air defenses said they intercepted Houthi drones headed toward the capital and ballistic missiles targeting the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait. Authorities had not publicly given a reason for the school closures by Sunday morning, but the decision followed a renewed series of Houthi attacks on the kingdom. 

Parents in Riyadh received messages from schools saying in-person classes would be suspended for the week and students would study through the Madrasati online platform. Teaching, educational and administrative staff were also instructed to work remotely. The Saudi Ministry of Education had not issued a public explanation when the decision was reported. 

The Saudi-led coalition said Saturday that its air defenses destroyed two drones launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis toward the Riyadh area. It later said two ballistic missiles aimed at Khamis Mushait were also intercepted. Saudi Civil Defense issued overnight alerts for Khamis Mushait and nearby Abha but not for Riyadh. 

Houthi Political Bureau member Hezam al-Assad said the attack was “merely a small-scale rehearsal for a full-scale escalation.” 

The attacks are part of a renewed escalation in the Yemen war. The Houthis have stepped up missile and drone strikes on Saudi cities, shipping and energy infrastructure since declaring a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July. Saudi-led forces have responded with airstrikes in Yemen. 

Earlier this month, Saudi authorities said Houthi attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif injured 13 civilians and damaged homes and vehicles. The renewed fighting has also displaced more than 120,000 people inside Yemen, according to the United Nations. 

The escalation has renewed concern over shipping and energy routes near Bab el Mandeb as wider regional fighting has already disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.