Parents across Riyadh received messages from schools on Sunday, September 27, announcing a last-minute plan to shift to remote learning for a week. The messages, seen by AFP, stated that schools must remain closed all week, although no official reason was given. This sudden change comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf and near-daily attacks on Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen.
The move to remote learning follows a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthi fighters. On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthis said it had intercepted drones and ballistic missiles targeting the kingdom. These strikes are part of a larger escalation of Houthi attacks since July, when renewed hostilities shattered a years-long truce and embroiled Yemen in the wider Middle East war.
The United Nations Security Council has condemned the escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthi fighters. The Council noted that the strikes have wounded civilians, including women and children. The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Yemen and the broader region.
Some schools in Riyadh indicated that they would be returning to in-person learning on Monday, despite the initial announcement. However, Saudi officials have not officially commented on the closures or the order to return to in-person learning. The sudden changes have caused uncertainty for parents and students.
The announcement of remote learning comes as the Saudi capital issues its first air raid alert since renewed fighting in Yemen. The alert was issued on Sunday, and residents were advised to take necessary precautions. The situation in the region remains volatile, with ongoing hostilities and humanitarian concerns.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for several years, with a complex array of actors involved. The Houthi fighters, backed by Iran, have been battling the Saudi-led coalition, which supports the Yemeni government. The conflict has caused significant humanitarian suffering and displacement.
The shift to remote learning in Riyadh schools is a precautionary measure amid the heightened tensions in the region. While some schools plan to return to in-person learning, the situation remains uncertain. The international community continues to monitor the situation, with the United Nations Security Council calling for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- Riyadh schools shift to remote learning for a week amid heightened tensions in the Gulf and near-daily attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen.
- The United Nations Security Council has condemned the escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthi fighters, noting that the strikes have wounded civilians, including women and children.
- The conflict in Yemen has caused significant humanitarian suffering and displacement, with ongoing hostilities and concerns about the situation in the region.
