Wonder if it was airframe fatigue. Choppers are from the 70s so quite old and would have long been replaced had the country been on strong economic footing
No, those were newly built for them, unless you have a source to back up your claim.
https://www.overtdefense.com/2023/02/28/bell-completes-production-of-ah-1z-attack-helicopter-for-bahrain-program/
"Bell Textron began production of the first AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter for the Royal...
Waiting for them to be delivered? Don't hold your breath, will be a long wait
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/usmc-retires-first-ah-1z-helo-to-boneyard-as-deliveries-continue
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/usmc-receives-final-viper-attack-helicopter
Clearly...