The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced today (Saturday) the execution of a perpetrator in the Makkah region, after he was found guilty of smuggling a quantity of cocaine into the Kingdom, in a new confirmation of the determination of the security and judicial authorities to firmly confront anyone who tries to harm the security of society and the safety of its members.

Details of the crime and the legal ruling

In its official statement, the Ministry explained that the perpetrator, identified as Mohammed Mohammed Ismail Omar (a Sudanese national), had attempted to smuggle cocaine into the Kingdom. Thanks to vigilant security measures, the relevant authorities were able to apprehend him, and intensive investigations led to his indictment for the crime.

After the accused was referred to the competent court, a legal ruling was issued confirming the charges against him and sentencing him to death by way of discretionary punishment (ta'zir) due to the gravity of the crime committed. The ruling became final after appeal and its confirmation by the Supreme Court, and a royal decree was issued to enforce the legally mandated punishment. The sentence was carried out today in the Makkah region.

The war on drugs: a strict security and legal context

This execution comes within the context of the ongoing and comprehensive security campaign waged by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against the scourge of drugs, described as a "war on drugs," to protect the nation's human capital. Saudi law considers drug trafficking a major crime warranting the severest penalties, including the death penalty, due to its corrupting influence and grave harm to society.

These rulings are based on Islamic law, which prohibits everything that impairs the mind and harms the soul. The Kingdom deals firmly with drug smugglers who target the Kingdom and its youth, attempting to flood the local market with substances that destroy minds and break up families.

Protecting society and youth from dangers

In its concluding statement, the Ministry of Interior affirmed the Kingdom's government's commitment to protecting the security of citizens and residents from this deadly scourge. It emphasized that imposing the strictest penalties prescribed by law on smugglers and dealers is a necessary deterrent to prevent the loss of innocent lives and to curb the grave corruption that affects youth, individuals, and society, as well as to protect their right to live in a safe and crime-free environment.

The ministry warned anyone who dares to commit such criminal acts that they will face severe legal punishment, stressing that the security services are on the lookout for all smuggling and trafficking attempts across all border crossings and in various regions.

In a move aimed at bringing about a qualitative shift in the transportation and infrastructure system, the Eastern Province Municipality announced a package of development measures that included the cancellation of 43 traffic lights in various locations, with the aim of improving traffic flow and reducing waiting times for vehicles, thus ensuring greater smoothness on the region’s streets.

The municipality explained in its latest report that these efforts were not limited to removing traffic lights, but also included the construction of 367 pedestrian crossings designed according to the highest international safety standards to ensure safe passage for residents and visitors. These steps come in response to the urban expansion and population growth the area is witnessing, which necessitates innovative engineering solutions to manage traffic congestion.

Standard performance indicators in safety and quality

The municipality revealed figures and statistics reflecting the scale of the work completed, confirming that visibility inside bridges and tunnels has increased by 100%, a crucial factor in reducing accidents within these vital facilities. The data also indicated that 93% of the overall traffic safety targets have been achieved, while the traffic safety rate on open roads has risen to 70%, reflecting the success of the implemented operational plans.

In a related matter concerning road maintenance, the municipality confirmed a 68% improvement in the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for the streets of the Dammam metropolitan area. This index is a global standard for measuring the quality of asphalt and the absence of potholes and cracks in roads, which contributes to protecting vehicles and providing a comfortable and safe driving experience for motorists.

Development context and quality of life goals

These projects are particularly important as they align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program, which aims to improve services in Saudi cities. The move towards eliminating traffic lights and replacing them with other engineering solutions (such as U-turns or overpasses) is a modern approach in urban planning designed to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions resulting from prolonged engine idling.

Through these ongoing improvements, the Eastern Province Municipality aims to enhance the efficiency of the urban road network and raise the level of safety for all road users, whether drivers or pedestrians. These efforts underscore the commitment of relevant authorities to developing traffic safety infrastructure in the Dammam metropolitan area, making it a model of a smart and sustainable city that provides a safe and seamless transportation environment for everyone.

The joint air exercise “Spears of Victory 2026,” considered one of the most important air military exercises in the region, concluded today (Friday) at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The exercise witnessed broad participation, including all branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, the Ministry of the National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the Unified Military Command of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and forces from several brotherly and friendly nations, reflecting the strategic importance of this military event.

This year's exercise was distinguished by its meticulous simulation of complex, multi-dimensional operational scenarios, with participating forces focusing on implementing mixed tactical operations that mirror the realities of modern warfare. The exercise extended beyond air sorties to include specialized academic lectures and workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of aircrews, technicians, and support personnel. Extensive emphasis was also placed on evaluating modern military tactics, particularly in the areas of electronic and cyber warfare, which have become the backbone of modern air combat.

In terms of strategic importance, the “Spears of Victory” exercise derives its significance from being a key platform for unifying combat concepts among the participating forces. The Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Sector is considered one of the most advanced centers globally, providing a realistic training environment that allows for testing the combat capabilities of individuals and systems under conditions similar to real operations. This exercise is an extension of the Saudi Ministry of Defense’s efforts to develop its defensive and offensive capabilities in line with the Kingdom’s vision of localizing military expertise and enhancing self-reliance.

During the exercise, participating forces conducted highly precise operations, demonstrating an advanced level of coordination and integration among various units and formations. This operational harmony directly contributes to enhancing joint combat capabilities and ensures complete readiness to address any potential threats in diverse environmental and operational conditions. The integration of ground, air, and state security forces in a single exercise reinforces the concept of "joint operations," a cornerstone of modern military doctrine.

At the regional and international levels, the “Spears of Victory 2026” exercise sends reassuring messages about the stability of the region, as it aims to strengthen military partnerships and exchange accumulated expertise among participating countries. The presence of forces from brotherly and friendly nations alongside Saudi and Gulf Cooperation Council forces raises the level of combat readiness and achieves the highest degree of operational integration, thus supporting the regional and international security and stability system and underscoring the Kingdom’s leading role in spearheading efforts to maintain security in the region.