Kuwait Cabinet Condemns Terrorism, Highlights Arrest of Hezbollah-Linked Cell

KUWAIT CITY, Mar 17: The Cabinet, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, received a detailed briefing from the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, on the arrest of a terrorist cell linked to the banned organization Hezbollah. The group, comprising 14 Kuwaiti citizens and two Lebanese nationals, was planning sabotage operations aimed at destabilizing the nation. Security forces seized firearms, assassination weapons, drones, encrypted communication devices, narcotics, funds, and terrorist paraphernalia during the operation. The Cabinet strongly condemned the plot, emphasizing that Kuwait’s security is a red line and pledging decisive action against anyone cooperating with foreign terrorist entities.

The Cabinet also reviewed recent telephone communications from international leaders, including Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Zambia’s President Adama Barrow, all expressing solidarity and condemning Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait and the region. These calls underscored regional and international support for Kuwait’s sovereignty and security.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah conducted inspection visits to military bases and border crossings, commending the Armed Forces, Air Defense, Ministry of Interior, National Guard, medical teams, volunteers, and state institutions for their dedication, vigilance, and national solidarity, particularly highlighting the patriotic efforts at the Central Blood Bank. Similarly, His Highness the Prime Minister conducted inspections of ministries and government agencies to ensure readiness and continuity of services amid current circumstances.

The Cabinet was briefed on ongoing diplomatic and regional security developments by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, including participation in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meetings and coordination with China to address Iranian aggression. Kuwait reaffirmed its right to self-defense under international law and welcomed Security Council Resolution 2817 condemning attacks on the GCC.

The Cabinet also expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates following missile and drone attacks that caused casualties and damage, condemned attacks on the UAE consulate in Iraq, and supported Oman after Iranian attacks on the port of Salalah.

On the domestic front, the Ministry of Health reported two emergency medical personnel sustained minor injuries from shrapnel, and the Cabinet prayed for their swift recovery. The Ministry of Justice briefed the Cabinet on a fundraising campaign to settle court debts for citizens, reflecting national solidarity. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the draft decree appointing the board of directors for the Public Authority for Combating Corruption.

The Cabinet stressed the importance of vigilance, coordination between military and civilian authorities, and the continued readiness of security and civil defense agencies. It affirmed that Kuwait’s security is a trust, with all personnel committed to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability. The Cabinet remains in permanent session to monitor developments locally and regionally.