The Ministry of Interior in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued an official statement today, announcing the execution of a Yemeni national in the Asir region, after he was found guilty of committing serious terrorist crimes that threatened the security of the nation and the safety of citizens and residents, including targeting security personnel and joining foreign terrorist organizations.
Details of the crime and the legal ruling
According to the statement, the perpetrator, Qaboos Saeed Taleb Al-Kathiri – a Yemeni national – committed a series of horrific terrorist crimes. These crimes included joining a terrorist organization outside the Kingdom, killing security personnel, and financing terrorism and terrorist operations, which constitutes a blatant violation of the law and a spread of corruption on earth.
By the grace and favor of God, the competent security authorities were able to apprehend the aforementioned individual. Intensive investigations resulted in his indictment for these crimes. Upon his referral to the competent court, a ruling was issued confirming the charges against him and sentencing him to death by way of discretionary punishment (ta'zir) due to the heinous nature of his crime and its danger to society. The ruling became final after its appeal and confirmation by the Supreme Court, and a royal decree was issued to carry out the legally mandated punishment.
The security context and the Kingdom's efforts in combating terrorism
The execution of this sentence comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing and resolute efforts to eradicate the roots of terrorism and extremism. This incident underscores the high vigilance of the security services and their ability to track down terrorist elements attempting to undermine security and stability, whether they are citizens or residents. The Kingdom pursues a policy of "an iron fist" against anyone who dares to threaten the security of the state or attack the security personnel who are dedicated to protecting the nation.
The Kingdom consistently emphasizes that terrorism has no religion or nationality, and that justice will be served against all those involved in shedding innocent blood or terrorizing the innocent. This ruling sends a clear message to anyone contemplating joining suspicious organizations or providing them with financial or logistical support: their inevitable fate will be the deterrent legal punishment.
The legal foundations of governance
The ruling was based on the tolerant texts of Islamic Sharia, which prohibits spreading corruption on earth and killing innocent people. The Ministry of Interior, in its statement, cited the words of God Almighty: “The punishment of those who wage war against God and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption on earth is that they should be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet cut off on opposite sides, or be banished from the land,” and the words of God Almighty: “And do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation,” emphasizing that preserving security and lives are among the five necessities that Islam came to protect.
Implementation of the ruling and the Ministry of Interior's message
The death penalty was carried out against the perpetrator on Thursday, June 27, 1447 AH (December 18, 2025 CE) in the Asir region. The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by affirming the Kingdom's commitment to maintaining security, achieving justice, and implementing God's rulings against all who transgress against the innocent and violate their right to life. The Ministry also warned anyone contemplating such criminal acts that they will face the full force of the law.
