Saudi security authorities announced a new achievement in their efforts to protect the Kingdom's borders, as patrols from the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Asir region arrested a Saudi citizen for transporting 17 individuals who violated border security regulations. Sources indicated that the violators, who were traveling in the vehicle driven by the citizen, were of Yemeni and Ethiopian nationalities, and all have been detained pending legal proceedings.
Background of ongoing security efforts
This operation comes within the context of the intensive security campaigns carried out by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia throughout the year, most notably the “A Nation Without Violators” campaign, which aims to enhance national security by tracking down and apprehending violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. The Kingdom faces significant security challenges along its vast southern border, characterized by rugged terrain, making it a stage for infiltration and smuggling attempts that involve not only individuals but also narcotics and weapons.
The importance of the operation and its security impact
This operation is particularly significant as it underscores the vigilance of Saudi security agencies, including the General Directorate of Mujahideen, and their ability to thwart attempts to infiltrate the borders. Combating the smuggling of illegal immigrants not only contributes to law enforcement but also disrupts organized crime networks that exploit these individuals for illicit activities that could harm the security and stability of society. Domestically, such operations bolster public trust in the security forces while sending a strong deterrent message to anyone contemplating involvement in facilitating such crimes.
Strict and deterrent penalties
The apprehended violators were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action, while the citizen involved in transporting them was handed over to the Public Prosecution for further investigation. In this context, the official spokesperson for the General Directorate of Mujahideen emphasized that the penalties for facilitating the entry of border security violators into the Kingdom, transporting them within its borders, or providing them with shelter are extremely severe. He affirmed that anyone committing this act is subject to penalties that may reach 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to one million Saudi riyals, in addition to the confiscation of the vehicle and residence used in the crime, and public shaming of the perpetrator. He clarified that this crime is considered a major offense warranting arrest and is a breach of honor and integrity.
A call for social responsibility
The security authorities renewed their call to all citizens and residents to cooperate and report any suspected cases related to violators of residency, labor and border security regulations, by calling the designated numbers (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, stressing that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality.
