Citing Saudi officials, the US newspaper reported that the crown prince travels with a specially selected security team and moves cautiously between palaces equipped with bunker-like protection.
The report said Saudi Arabia’s stockpile of interceptor missiles used to counter Houthi attacks is running low, making it increasingly difficult to protect the country’s vast territory and critical infrastructure.
Saudi authorities are reportedly repositioning missile defence batteries to protect key energy facilities and royal palaces from potential attacks.
The growing security concerns are also putting pressure on Saudi Arabia’s economic ambitions, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy.
According to the report, the kingdom faces the challenge of protecting its leadership and strategic installations while managing rising defence costs and continuing its economic development plans.
The report also highlighted concerns over possible miscalculations in assessing the Houthi threat and the heavy financial burden of defensive measures.
