A Yemeni resident in Asir was executed for killing security officers
The Ministry of Interior in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced today, Thursday, the execution of a Yemeni resident in the Asir region, after he was found guilty of committing serious terrorist crimes that threatened the security of society and targeted security personnel, in a step that confirms the Kingdom’s determination to eradicate the roots of terrorism and apply justice firmly.
Details of the crimes and the court ruling
In detail, the Ministry issued a statement explaining that the perpetrator, Qaboos Saeed Taleb Al-Kathiri (a Yemeni national), had joined a foreign terrorist organization and adopted an extremist ideology that permits the shedding of innocent blood. The perpetrator not only joined but was also actively involved in the killing of security personnel, in addition to financing terrorism and terrorist operations, thus posing a direct threat to national security and civil peace.
By the grace of God, and thanks to the vigilant efforts of the security forces, the aforementioned individual was apprehended. Intensive investigations led to his indictment for these crimes. Upon his referral to the Specialized Criminal Court, a ruling was issued confirming the charges against him and sentencing him to death. The ruling was upheld by the Specialized Criminal Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, and a royal decree was issued ordering the execution of the legally mandated sentence. The execution was carried out on Thursday, June 27, 1447 AH (December 18, 2025 CE) in the Asir region.
The security and legal context in combating terrorism
The execution of this sentence comes within the framework of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. This strategy relies on an integrated security and judicial system that guarantees the rights of defendants to defend themselves through the various levels of litigation (primary, appellate, and supreme), culminating in final and unappealable judgments. This reflects the integrity of the Saudi judiciary and its commitment to due diligence before implementing the most severe penalties.
This event reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens and residents from the evils of extremist groups seeking to destabilize the country. Crimes targeting security personnel are considered a red line in Saudi security policy, viewed as a direct attack on the prestige of the state and the safety of society, warranting the severest deterrent penalties.
Legal foundations and the message of deterrence
The ruling was based on the texts of Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits spreading corruption on earth and killing innocent people, in accordance with the Almighty's words: "The punishment of those who wage war against Allah 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." The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by emphasizing that the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is committed to maintaining security and achieving justice, while simultaneously warning anyone who might contemplate committing such criminal acts that they will face the inevitable legal punishment.
