Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has once again disappeared from public view since tensions between him and Yemen escalated, reaching a peak on Friday when Yemen announced that it might target Saudi interests unless Mohammed bin Salman ceased violating Yemeni sovereignty and Yemeni airspace.
Mohammed bin Salman had previously entered the underground bunker in February during the US-Iran conflict, when Saudi airspace and territory became the scene of many of the military operations. During that period, he conducted his meetings and engagements via video link and did not emerge until after the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was announced.
Mohammed bin Salman was again absent from receiving a number of visiting dignitaries, including the Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary, and has also missed scheduled meetings and events since tensions with Yemen intensified, which is presented as indicating, among other things:
- That he believes Yemen’s threats are credible and is taking them seriously.
- That he does not trust American protection, nor the protection provided for his palaces by Blackwater.
- That he does not feel safe above ground.