Saudi Arabia executed five of its nationals on terrorism charges in the Eastern Province on Saturday, October 17, after their convictions were upheld and royal orders were issued for the sentences to be carried out, the kingdom’s Ministry of Interior said. The executions bring the total number of people put to death in Saudi Arabia this year to 188, according to an AFP tally based on official statements.The five men were convicted of joining a foreign terrorist organisation, opening fire on security forces and providing support for terrorist operations inside the kingdom.In its statement, the Ministry of Interior cited Quranic verses condemning corruption and violence. It said the men had been convicted of crimes involving attacks on security personnel, the use of weapons and the provision of support and safe houses to finance and carry out terrorist operations in Saudi Arabia.The ministry said the men were identified as Mohammed bin Munir bin Mohammed Al-Zaher, Ali bin Abdulrab Al-Hussein Al-Sheikh, Hassan bin Zaki bin Mohammed Al-Faraj, Rida bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Abdullah and Ali bin Hassan bin Ahmed Al Rih.According to the statement, security authorities arrested the men and completed investigations before referring them to the competent court. The court sentenced them to death after finding them guilty of the charges. The sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court, and royal orders were issued for their implementation.The executions took place in the Eastern Province, which is home to most of Saudi Arabia’s Shia Muslim minority. The community has long complained of marginalisation in the Sunni-majority kingdom.
Ministry warns against attacks on security
In its statement, the ministry said the executions demonstrated the government’s commitment to maintaining security and enforcing Islamic law. It warned that anyone who attacks the security of others or violates their right to life and safety would face the consequences under the law.The ministry also invoked Quranic verses prohibiting corruption on earth and those prescribing punishment for people who wage war against God and his messenger and spread disorder.
Saudi Arabia’s execution toll rises
Saudi Arabia has executed 15 people on terrorism convictions since January, most of them in the Eastern Province, compared with 40 such executions in 2025, according to AFP.The latest executions come as the kingdom faces missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Riyadh backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government in the country’s long-running civil war against the Iran-backed group.Saudi Arabia was the world’s third-most prolific executioner between 2022 and 2025, behind China and Iran, according to Amnesty International.The kingdom maintains that capital punishment is necessary to preserve public order and says death sentences are carried out only after all appeals have been exhausted.
