Riyadh Schools Reopen
Riyadh Schools Reopen for In-Person Classes Following Sudden Remote Learning Shift
Anonymous
Riyadh schools received last-minute instructions to switch to remote learning for a week amid heightened regional tensions and recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. Authorities gave no public explanation, and it was initially unclear whether the notices applied citywide or reflected coordinated official orders. The decision was reversed, and schools reopened for in-person classes on Monday, also without an explanation. The abrupt changes left parents and schools uncertain about the authorities’ rationale and whether the initial move was prompted by the attacks.
Key Points
1
The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted two Houthi drones headed toward the Riyadh area and two ballistic missiles aimed at Khamis Mushait; two days earlier, it reported intercepting six missiles targeting Taif and the Yanbu area.
2
Hours before the interceptions, the military chiefs of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey met in Riyadh to discuss threats to the kingdom. The three countries had signed a joint defence pact the previous month that treats an attack on one as an attack on all.
3
The Houthi attacks had intensified since July, when the group declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, according to The National; another report said the escalation had broken a years-long truce.
4
Saudi Arabia had previously used its Madrasati online-learning platform to move classes out of school buildings, most recently for a day in Riyadh and the Eastern Province in December.
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