Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published October 17, 2026
Saudi authorities say the five men were convicted of joining a foreign terrorist organization, attacking security forces and supporting terrorist operations inside the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday, October 17, 2026, that it had executed five Saudi nationals convicted of terrorism-related offenses, according to the country’s Ministry of Interior.
The ministry said the convictions involved joining a foreign terrorist organization, opening fire on security personnel and security facilities, possessing weapons and live ammunition, and providing financial support for terrorist operations within the kingdom.
Charges and Allegations
According to the Interior Ministry, the five men were accused of repeatedly using weapons and explosives against security personnel, security headquarters and security vehicles with the intention of killing them.
Authorities also said the defendants possessed firearms and live ammunition and provided assistance to finance and carry out terrorist activities inside Saudi Arabia.
The ministry announced the executions through a statement published on the social media platform X. It described the offenses as terrorist crimes threatening the kingdom’s security.
Judicial Proceedings
Saudi authorities said investigations led to the defendants being charged and referred to the competent court. The court issued death sentences, which were upheld by the Supreme Court before a royal order authorized their implementation, according to reporting by Al Jazeera.
The executions were carried out on October 17, the same day the ministry announced them.
Saudi Arabia’s Use of the Death Penalty
Saudi Arabia continues to apply capital punishment for a range of serious criminal offenses, including cases classified by authorities as terrorism-related.
The latest executions come amid ongoing international scrutiny of the kingdom’s use of the death penalty and its criminal justice system. The available reports did not provide independent details about the evidence presented at trial or further information about the defendants beyond the charges announced by authorities.
