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Saudi Arabia's Record 356 Executions Driven by Drug War

1/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In 2025, Saudi Arabia executed 356 people, the highest annual total in the kingdom's history.
Analysts attribute the rise to Riyadh's intensified "war on drugs," with 243 executions linked to drug offenses.
Enforcement measures have increased, with millions of fenethylline pills seized and arrests, including mostly foreign nationals, while Captagon remains tied to Syria's former regime.

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Story summary

In 2025, Saudi Arabia executed 356 people, the highest annual total in the kingdom's history.
Analysts attribute the rise to Riyadh's intensified "war on drugs," with 243 executions linked to drug offenses.
Enforcement measures have increased, with millions of fenethylline pills seized and arrests, including mostly foreign nationals, while Captagon remains tied to Syria's former regime.