The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the execution of a perpetrator in Riyadh for a horrific crime that shook society, in which he treacherously killed his father and two sisters using poison.

Details of the heinous crime

According to the Ministry's statement, citizen Mohammed bin Shaleh bin Jari Al-Ghabawi Al-Otaibi murdered his father and two sisters (Amina and Maha – both Saudi nationals) using a treacherous and cowardly method. He poisoned their drinking water, causing their deaths. This crime is classified as "premeditated murder" because the perpetrator exploited the victims' trust and security within their home.

The judicial process and the legal ruling

Thanks to God and the efforts of the security forces, the perpetrator was apprehended in record time. Intensive investigations led to his indictment for the crime. Upon his referral to the competent court, a ruling was issued confirming the charges against him. Because the crime was committed in a manner that ensured the victims felt safe from the perpetrator's treachery, he was sentenced to death for treachery, a punishment that cannot be pardoned in Islamic law as it is a right of God and of society to deter treachery and betrayal.

The ruling went through all levels of litigation approved in the Saudi judicial system, as the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling, then the Supreme Court ratified it, and a royal decree was issued after that to enforce what was decided according to Sharia, and the ruling was implemented today in the Riyadh region.

The state's resolve in implementing justice

This incident reaffirms the efficiency of the security and judicial system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its unwavering commitment to maintaining security and achieving justice. The verdict demonstrates the firm stance taken in dealing with crimes against human life, especially those involving treachery and the violation of kinship ties.

The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by emphasizing the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to protect the security of citizens and residents, and to implement the provisions of Islamic Sharia against anyone who attacks the innocent and sheds their blood, while warning anyone who dares to commit such criminal acts that the deterrent Sharia punishment will be his inevitable fate.

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the security system of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Interior signed five significant agreements today with leading local and international companies. This took place during the World Defence Exhibition 2026, hosted by Riyadh from February 8 to 12, a leading global platform showcasing the latest security and defense technologies.

Promoting localization and the Kingdom's Vision 2030

These agreements come within the framework of the Ministry of Interior's commitment to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically regarding the localization of military and security industries. The Kingdom seeks to increase the percentage of local content in this vital sector, which contributes to strengthening strategic independence, building sustainable national capabilities, creating new job opportunities, and transferring advanced technology to Saudi talent.

A qualitative leap in border security

In the details of the contracts signed on behalf of the General Directorate of Border Guards, represented by the Director General of Border Guards, Major General Shaye bin Salem Al-Wadaani, an agreement was concluded with Advanced Electronics Company for the operation and maintenance of the Northern Border Security System. This step is of paramount importance in light of regional security challenges, as the project aims to ensure the sustainability of the technological systems, reduce response times to alerts, and curb infiltration and smuggling operations.

The agreements also included a contract with Najm Alpha Air Services Limited to provide logistical and field support for border guard operations, and another contract with Advanced Support Company Limited. These partnerships aim to combat transnational crime and protect vital land and sea facilities, reflecting the Ministry's approach of adopting integrated security solutions that combine human expertise with modern technology.

Developing civil defense capabilities

On another front, the Ministry has given considerable attention to developing the Civil Defense sector. Assistant Director General of Civil Defense for Operations, Major General Abdullah bin Othman Al-Qarni, signed two important contracts with the Italian company "Bi" and the global company "Rosenbauer." These contracts focus on supplying and upgrading firefighting and rescue equipment designed for rugged terrain and difficult conditions.

This modern equipment is expected to contribute to raising the efficiency of response to natural disasters and fires, which enhances the protection of lives and property, and preserves the environment and natural resources of the Kingdom, which is in line with international standards for safety and civil protection.

In conclusion, these five contracts confirm the Ministry of Interior’s continued commitment to raising the operational readiness of all its sectors and ensuring the sustainability of security and safety throughout the Kingdom, benefiting from the latest global technologies at the World Defence Exhibition.

The World Defence Exhibition, hosted by the Saudi capital Riyadh, showcased a groundbreaking field innovation stemming from the ideas and expertise of Royal Saudi Naval Forces personnel. This achievement was the development of a "mobile mine detector" intelligently integrated into the operational military uniform, a step aimed at revolutionizing safety standards and combat efficiency during search and detection operations in hazardous areas.

The new innovation, which was well-received by exhibition visitors and military experts, relies on an advanced forward-facing sensor system capable of detecting metals up to 30 centimeters below the surface. The system is equipped with dual alert mechanisms, including an audible and a vibration alert. The intensity of the alert increases as the soldier approaches a suspicious object or mine, providing the user with an accurate and immediate indication of danger without causing confusion or disrupting their movement during field operations.

In detailing this achievement, the two inventors from the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Chief Warrant Officer Atiyah Al-Zahrani and First Sergeant Basem Al-Ghamdi, explained that the initial spark for the idea stemmed from practical experience in the field and the pressing need to find innovative solutions that would provide a safe means of transport and reduce the high risks faced by soldiers moving through areas suspected of being contaminated with mines. They pointed out that the engineering design of the innovation primarily focused on practicality and lightweight construction, ensuring it would not add any extra burden that could impede the movement of the individual soldier, while also guaranteeing its ease of use in various terrains and harsh environments.

This innovation is of paramount importance when viewed in the context of modern security challenges, as landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are among the most serious threats facing military forces worldwide. The added value of this innovation lies in freeing the soldier's hands from carrying heavy, traditional detection equipment, thus keeping them fully combat-ready to deal with any sudden threat during search operations, thereby enhancing their chances of survival and mission success.

The presentation of this innovation at the World Defence Exhibition reflects the significant progress witnessed by the military industries sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to localize military industries and encourage innovation, research, and development by national talent. The exhibition serves as a global platform that allows Saudi innovators to showcase their competitive capabilities to major international companies and official delegations.

In conclusion, this field innovation confirms the efficiency of the Saudi human element and its ability to adapt technology to serve operational needs, as the device was developed using reliable detection technologies and integrated with smart alarm systems that help the user accurately estimate the distance from the target, which represents a valuable addition to the system of individual equipment for the Saudi soldier.