The operation forms part of the authorities’ continuing efforts to protect natural resources and address activities conducted in violation of environmental laws. In an official statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the directorate disclosed the nationalities of those involved, the nature of the violations and the equipment seized during the operation.

According to the official statement, the six residents were nationals of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Yemen. They were apprehended for exploiting natural sediment resources in the Eastern Province through activities involving sand extraction and soil excavation. Such operations are subject to environmental and regulatory requirements intended to protect natural locations and prevent the unauthorised exploitation of resources.

Authorities also reported seizing six pieces of equipment used for extracting sand and excavating soil. The equipment was directly associated with the activities identified in the operation. The official announcement did not provide further technical details about the machinery or identify the precise location within the Eastern Province where the violations occurred.

The General Directorate of Mujahideen confirmed that the relevant legal procedures had been applied against the six residents. However, the statement did not announce specific financial penalties, prison sentences or final judicial rulings. It is therefore important to distinguish between arrests and the initiation of legal measures on one hand, and a final court judgment or confirmed punishment on the other.

Sand extraction and soil excavation can affect natural landscapes when conducted without proper regulation. Depending on the location and methods used, such activities may disturb surface soil, alter terrain or contribute to environmental deterioration. Environmental controls are intended to ensure that the extraction and transportation of natural resources take place only under the appropriate legal and technical conditions.

The latest operation reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to address environmental violations involving natural deposits, soil and other resources. Competent security and environmental authorities carry out monitoring and enforcement activities to identify practices that may breach applicable regulations. These measures are designed to support environmental protection and promote compliance among individuals and businesses engaged in activities involving natural materials.

The incident is particularly relevant to companies and workers involved in excavation, construction, transport and related industries. Businesses operating heavy equipment should ensure that their activities comply with the permits and regulatory conditions applicable to the locations concerned. The announcement also serves as a reminder that the operation of machinery does not automatically establish permission to extract or transport natural materials.

The nationalities mentioned in the ministry’s announcement relate only to the six individuals involved in this particular case. They should not be interpreted as indicating that environmental violations are associated with particular expatriate communities. Legal responsibility depends on the conduct established in each individual case and the requirements of the relevant regulations.

The General Directorate of Mujahideen has also encouraged citizens and residents to report incidents involving damage to the environment or wildlife. Members of the public can contact 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province. In the remaining regions of Saudi Arabia, reports may be submitted through the emergency numbers 999 and 996, as specified in the official statement.

Authorities emphasized that reports concerning environmental violations would be handled with complete confidentiality and without responsibility being imposed on the person submitting the report, according to the wording of the announcement. Encouraging public participation helps relevant agencies identify potentially harmful activities and respond to suspected violations affecting natural environments.

The November 3 statement confirms that six expatriates were apprehended and six pieces of equipment were seized in the Eastern Province, with legal measures taken against those involved. No additional information was announced regarding the precise site, the estimated environmental damage or final penalties. The case remains an example of the Kingdom’s enforcement efforts under existing environmental regulations, rather than the introduction of a new law.

Source: Saudi General Directorate of Mujahideen – Saudi Press Agency (SPA) – Sabq, November 3, 2026.