Al Ha’ir, a maximum-security prison outside Riyadh where some of the people detained in a corruption crackdown beginning in November are being held. (FAISAL AL NASSER/Reuters)
Saudi detains US citizens for filming after Houthi attacks
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Saudi officials warned that recording or sharing footage of counter-missile operations, drones, or strike sites incurs legal liability
- Riyadh residents reported multiple foreign acquaintances were detained after sharing footage of recent attack sites online
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed on Monday that American citizens have been detained by Saudi authorities for filming recent events in the Kingdom, which has been subjected to a series of deadly attacks by Yemen's Houthis.
In a statement issued on Monday, the US mission stated that "American citizens have been detained for taking photos of recent events," though it did not specify the exact number of individuals arrested or whether any had been released.
The embassy noted that Saudi authorities have explicitly issued warnings stating that "filming, publishing, or sharing information related to counter missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal liability."
Foreigners confirm detentions
The embassy's statement follows reports from several foreign residents living in Riyadh, who told AFP that acquaintances had been taken into custody by authorities for filming the aftermath of recent incidents and uploading the footage to social media.
The detentions come amid heightened security measures across Saudi Arabia as authorities strictly enforce regulations governing the recording and dissemination of military and defensive operations.
