Kuwait airport bleeds again

KUWAIT CITY, June 3: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah conducted an inspection visit to Terminal One (T1) at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, following the Iranian drone attack on the terminal. He was accompanied by Director General of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) Sheikh Eng. Hamoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah. During the tour, the PACA officials briefed His Highness the Prime Minister on the circumstances leading to the death of one individual and injuries of many others, as well as an assessment of the extensive material damage in several airport facilities and the initial technical evaluation.

His Highness emphasized the importance of taking all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of employees and those present at the site. He issued a directive to immediately carry out repairs at the terminal to ensure the resumption of operations as soon as possible. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the airport staff and emergency teams for promptly dealing with the aftermath of the attack, commending their quick implementation of procedures and their high level of efficiency in handling the situation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah also conducted an inspection tour of Terminal 1 (T1) at Kuwait International Airport to assess the damage caused by the recent Iranian aggression. In a press release on Wednesday, the Ministry of Interior said Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef inspected the extent of the damage to the terminal building and its facilities, underscoring the need for a comprehensive technical evaluation and the implementation of all necessary measures within their respective jurisdictions.

During the visit, he received a detailed briefing from concerned officials on the incident and the actions taken to confront and contain its effects. In the meantime, the Kuwait Armed Forces intercepted 13 hostile ballistic missiles and 17 drones in the wee hours Wednesday when Iran attacked the country once again, including civilian and vital facilities.

Official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Colonel Saud Al- Atwan disclosed in a media briefing on the latest developments that the Armed Forces detected and engaged 13 hostile ballistic missiles within Kuwaiti airspace, intercepting them over several residential areas, resulting in the fall of some debris. He added that military forces also detected and dealt with 17 hostile drones as part of ongoing defensive operations. He stated that the Iranian attacks on civilian and vital installations, including the airport, resulted in the death of an Indian, injuries to several people and huge material damage.

He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished speedy recovery for all those injured. He urged the citizens and residents not to approach, photograph, publish or circulate images and videos of damaged locations, debris impact sites or remnants of interception operations on social media platforms to maintain public security and safety. He stressed the importance of adhering to safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities and to obtain information from official sources only. He confirmed that the Armed Forces remain fully prepared and continue carrying out their duties in coordination with other concerned State authorities, taking the necessary measures to maintain national security and guarantee the safety of citizens and residents.

In addition, Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on Wednesday visited those injured in the recent attacks. The ministry disclosed that Sheikh Abdullah checked on the condition of the injured and assessed the medical care being provided to them. During the visit, the medical teams briefed the minister on the health condition of the patients and the treatment plans for them, wishing them speedy recovery and continuous good health.

Moreover, the Ministry of Interior called on the public to stay away from damaged sites and avoid gathering near affected areas to ensure their safety and to allow specialized teams to conduct field operations efficiently. Official spokesperson and Director General of the Public Relations and Security Media General Department at the ministry Brigadier Nasser Bousalaib made the statement at the media briefing. Bousalaib pointed out that the continuous targeting of residential areas, civilian locations and vital facilities by Iran is a hostile approach aimed at undermining national security and endangering lives and properties. He disclosed that Terminal One at the airport was targeted by several hostile drones, causing the death of one passenger, injuries among airport staff and passengers, and enormous damage to airport facilities and infrastructure. He indicated that the warning sirens were activated five times over the past hours, increasing the total number of activations since the beginning of the attacks to 188. He added that the explosive ordnance disposal teams dealt with 36 reports related to falling debris and unidentified objects linked to defensive interception operations, raising the total number of such reports handled since the start of the attacks to 975. During the briefing, he presented visual footage highlighting the procedures followed in responding to reports about debris and unidentified objects. He reiterated the warning against touching or tampering with unidentified objects, fragments or remnants resulting from interception operations due to the serious risks they pose, urging the public to immediately report such items through the Emergency Hotline (112) so that specialized teams can take the appropriate action. Furthermore, Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Gharib, official spokesman of Kuwait Fire Force (KFF), revealed that KFF dealt with nine exceptional incidents early morning Wednesday.

He said these incidents include four fire outbreaks caused by falling debris, along with securing five sites in coordination with the other concerned agencies. He stressed that residents and citizens must avoid touching suspicious items or dealing with fires caused by falling debris. He urged the public to report such incidents immediately through the emergency hotline number 112 for the experts to handle the situation. Meanwhile, the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) announced later on Wednesday the resumption of all Kuwait Airways flights through Terminal Four, following the completion of damage assessments and the implementation of measures to ensure operational safety. It also affirmed the resumption of Jazeera Airways flights at Terminal Five.

In a press statement, PACA explained that the decision to resume operations was issued after field inspections and technical evaluations conducted by the relevant authorities in coordination with various government entities to ensure the terminal is ready for flights and passengers. It advised travelers wishing to continue their journey to contact Kuwait Airways to confirm flight schedules and travel details. It stressed that the safety of passengers and airport personnel remains its top priority, affirming that it will keep on coordinating with all concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted operations in accordance with the highest security and safety standards. Also, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways Parathan Basubathy affirmed the full commitment of the airline to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew members, indicating that some flights might be delayed or cancelled due to the evolving situation. Earlier, PACA suspended air traffic and flights, while transferring flights to alternative airports after the attack on Terminal One. PACA spokesperson Abdullah Al- Rajhi indicated that the authority activated its emergency plan and the concerned authorities dealt with the attack according to protocol in order to guarantee the safety of workers and passengers while securing facilities at the airport.

He confirmed that air traffic was suspended and flights were transferred to nearby airport until further notice, explaining that these measures were taken along with the implementation of security and technical plans to guarantee the immediate resumption of operations at the airport. On the other hand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denounced the continuous Iranian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones, the latest of which targeted civilian and vital facilities, including the airport. In an official statement, the ministry disclosed that these attacks led to the death of one individual, injuries to many others, and damage to vital facilities, such as the diplomatic missions. The ministry reiterated Kuwait’s categorical rejection of the blatant Iranian aggression that further escalated regional tensions and undermined security and stability – a flagrant violation of the international law, the United Nations (UN) Charter and UN Security Council Resolution No. 2817.

It stressed that the security and sovereignty of Kuwait, and the safety of its citizens and residents, are considered a ‘red line’ that cannot be compromised. It indicated that the repeated attacks are akin to a systematic aggressive approach that the country will not accept or tolerate. It stressed that Kuwait reserves its full and inherent right to take appropriate measures in response to the repeated Iranian attacks, in accordance with international law. On the other hand, the Ministry of Health declared a state of high health alert from the early hours on Wednesday. It affirmed the activation of the emergency plan and raised the readiness level in health facilities, while mobilizing medical, nursing and technical staff to ensure rapid response to emergencies and take care of the injured. Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, official spokesperson of the ministry, stated that medical emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the airport, supported by 25 ambulances. He added that the teams administered first aid and transported the injured to hospitals as per the procedures stipulated in the national emergency plan. He revealed that 63 injured individuals were admitted to various hospitals -- 34 at Farwaniya Hospital, 17 at Jaber Hospital, five at Jahra Hospital, three at Adan Hospital, two at Amiri Hospital, and one each at Sabah Hospital and Mubarak Al- Kabeer Hospital.

He said the injured included civilians, airport staff and travelers, some of whom sustained serious and multiple injuries like fractures, head trauma, brain hemorrhage, amputations, and injuries caused by the explosions, as well as smoke inhalation cases. He added that the medical teams performed seven major emergency surgeries, while the Accident and Emergency, Intensive Care and Operating units continue to operate on high alert round the clock, in coordination with the relevant authorities. He emphasized that the ministry is continuously monitoring the health situation, pointing out that the local health system proved its high level of preparedness and ability to handle major incidents and exceptional circumstances, thanks to the concerted efforts of various health entities and State agencies. The Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that the Central Blood Bank is receiving blood donors at several affiliated centers to support the country’s strategic blood reserves and enhance healthcare preparedness. In a press statement, the ministry said the Jabriya Blood Bank receives donors from Sunday to Thursday between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm; on Fridays from 2:00 pm. to 8:00 pm., and on Saturdays from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.

The Cooperative Societies Blood Donation Center, located near Adan Hospital, operates during the same hours. Meanwhile, the Sheikha Salwa Al-Sabah Center, adjacent to the Maternity Hospital, receives donors from Sunday to Thursday between 7:30 am. and 8:30 pm. The blood donation units at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital and New Jahra Hospital receive donors from Sunday to Thursday between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm. The ministry added that the blood donation unit at Hamad Al-Humaidhi and Sheikha Al-Sudairawi Medical Center (Shuwaikh Clinic) receives donors from Sunday to Thursday between 7:30 am and 1:00 pm Gulf, Arab and international leaders issued strong condemnations on Wednesday of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, warning of a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and violates international law. Kuwait denounced the attack on Bahrain as a “dangerous escalation” and a blatant breach of international law, urging an immediate halt to such actions to prevent further instability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Kuwait’s full solidarity with Bahrain and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Saudi Arabia condemned the attacks on both Bahrain and Kuwait, including strikes on Kuwait International Airport and other vital facilities that left one person dead and several injured. Riyadh described the attacks as a clear violation of Gulf states’ sovereignty and international law, reiterating its full support for both countries and extending condolences to Kuwait. The United Arab Emirates also strongly condemned the strikes on Kuwait, which caused casualties and damage to key infrastructure, including the airport and diplomatic missions. The UAE said the targeting of diplomatic premises constituted a grave violation of international norms, particularly the Vienna Convention, and warned of the broader threat to regional stability. Qatar condemned the attacks on civilian facilities in both countries, calling them a serious breach of international humanitarian law, including the prohibition on targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Doha stressed the need for de-escalation and renewed its full solidarity with Kuwait and Bahrain. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also condemned the attacks, describing them as a violation of sovereignty and international law, and called for intensified efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect regional stability. The United Kingdom joined the growing international condemnation, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper describing the attack on civilians at Kuwait International Airport as “shocking.” “My thoughts are with all those affected,” Cooper said in a statement posted on X. “Our total solidarity is with the people of Kuwait and our partners in the Gulf who deserve security. It is vital the ceasefire is sustained and we urge Iran to engage fully in dialogue to achieve peace.” Belgium also condemned the Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, reaffirming its solidarity with both countries. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot described the targeting of civilian facilities as unacceptable and warned that such actions risk further destabilizing the region. He called on Iran to halt its attacks and stressed the need for an immediate end to the violence, a successful conclusion to ongoing negotiations, and a return to regional calm.