A Yemeni resident in Asir was executed for terrorism-related crimes
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 the homeland and the safety of citizens and residents, in a step that confirms the Kingdom’s firm determination to confront anyone who tries to tamper with its security capabilities.
Details of the crime and the legal ruling
The Ministry began its statement with verses from the Holy Quran that condemn corruption on Earth, affirming that the perpetrator, Qaboos Saeed Taleb Al-Kathiri – a Yemeni national – had committed heinous criminal acts. The charges against him included joining a terrorist organization outside the Kingdom, actively participating in operations targeting security personnel, resulting in their martyrdom, and his involvement in financing terrorism and providing material and logistical support to terrorist activities.
Thanks to God and the vigilant efforts of our security forces, the aforementioned individual was apprehended. After the investigations were completed and charges were filed against him, he was referred to the competent court. A ruling was issued confirming the charges against him and sentencing him to death by way of discretionary punishment. The sentence underwent the established legal process in the Kingdom, being upheld by the Court of Appeal and then the Supreme Court. A royal decree was issued to enforce the legally mandated punishment, and the execution was carried out today, Thursday, 27 Jumada al-Thani 1447 AH, corresponding to December 18, 2025.
Guarantees of litigation and the fairness of the Saudi judiciary
This ruling highlights the robustness of the Saudi Arabian judicial system, where defendants in terrorism and major crime cases undergo a series of legal procedures that guarantee their rights to defense and legal representation. The fact that the verdict passed through three levels of litigation (primary, appellate, and supreme) before the royal decree for execution was issued reflects the state's commitment to ensuring absolute accuracy and justice before taking a life, in accordance with Islamic law, which protects life and safeguards rights.
General context: The Kingdom's strategy in combating terrorism
For decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has adopted a comprehensive and decisive strategy in combating terrorism and extremism, both on the security and ideological fronts. The Kingdom is a global leader in this field, with preemptive strikes by its security services successfully thwarting numerous plots targeting places of worship, security headquarters, and vital infrastructure. The execution of this sentence is part of this ongoing strategy to purge society of corrupt elements who have sold themselves to foreign organizations seeking to destabilize the region.
A message of deterrence and protection for society
The execution of the death penalty in such cases sends a clear and unequivocal message to anyone who dares to threaten the security of the Kingdom or join terrorist organizations. Protecting lives and property and maintaining public order are paramount priorities that will not be compromised. The Ministry of Interior consistently emphasizes that the full force of the law will be applied to any transgressor or aggressor, and that the hand of justice will reach all those who finance, plan, or carry out terrorist acts, regardless of their nationality or affiliation.
The ministry concluded its statement by emphasizing the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to maintain security and achieve justice, while warning all those who violate the right of the innocent to life that their fate will be a deterrent punishment in accordance with the provisions of the tolerant Islamic Sharia.
