KUWAIT CITY, Feb 28: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received a phone call Saturday from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who inquired about the well-being of Kuwait, its leadership, and people following the recent Iranian attack on Kuwaiti territory. During the call, the Saudi Crown Prince strongly condemned the aggression, describing it as a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, airspace, international law, and the UN Charter. He affirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for Kuwait and readiness to provide all possible assistance to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability, emphasizing that Kuwait’s security is inseparable from the security and stability of Saudi Arabia. His Highness the Amir expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi Crown Prince, wishing him good health and well-being, and extended best wishes for continued security, prosperity, and progress to the Kingdom.

Kuwait’s Cabinet on Saturday strongly condemned the brazen Iranian attack targeting Kuwait’s airspace and territory, describing it as a blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter. In an official statement, the Cabinet affirmed Kuwait’s full and inherent right to selfdefense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, stressing that all necessary measures will be taken to protect the country’s territory, citizens, and residents, in accordance with the scale of the attack and international law. The statement confirmed that Kuwait’s defense systems successfully intercepted the attack following established operational procedures and rules of engagement, emphasizing that the continuation of such aggressive military actions in the region threatens regional security and stability. The Cabinet also condemned the Iranian attacks against the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, reaffirming Kuwait’s full solidarity with these sisterly states and support for all measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and stability.

The Cabinet urged citizens and residents to rely on official sources for information, avoid spreading rumors or unverified news, and follow the guidance issued by relevant authorities. Government platforms will provide continuous updates on the latest developments in the region. On the domestic front, the Cabinet confirmed that Kuwait’s strategic stock of essential food supplies remains stable and sufficient, with additional quantities available to cover extended periods. All goods are adequately available in local markets, and supply chains continue to operate normally without interruption, as part of the government’s strategic food security plan. The Cabinet concluded by invoking divine protection over Kuwait and its people under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Meanwhile, Ali Al-Salem Air Base was targeted by ballistic missiles, which were successfully intercepted by Kuwait Air Defense early this morning, resulting in debris falling around the base, said official spokesperson for the Kuwait Ministry of Defense, Colonel Saud Al-Atwan. Colonel Al-Atwan affirmed that the General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces continues to carry out its duties in defending Kuwait’s sovereignty and responding to any threats to the country’s security and stability. He urged citizens and residents to stay away from any debris or remnants from the missile interception, not to touch or move them, and to report immediately to the relevant authorities. He also called on the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid rumors or unverified reports.

The Kuwait National Guard confirmed Saturday that the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Chemical Defense and Radiation Monitoring Center has not detected any increase in radiation levels in Kuwaiti air or water, noting that conditions remain normal. The Directorate of Moral Guidance told KUNA that the center affirmed that it continues to carry out its duties in cooperation with various state authorities. Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that the security situation in the country remains stable and under continuous 24-hour monitoring, supported by a comprehensive system emphasizing high readiness, precise surveillance, and immediate assessment of all developments.

In a press statement Saturday, the ministry said that the level of preparedness has been raised, with preventive measures reinforced and deployment increased at vital sites in full coordination with relevant authorities, ensuring rapid response and the protection of public safety for citizens and residents. It reassured the public that the situation is secure and stable, with all state institutions working in full coordination and high readiness to maintain security and public calm under all circumstances.

The ministry urged the public to follow official instructions, rely on verified sources, and avoid rumors, warning that legal action will be taken against any misleading information that threatens community security. The ministry also encouraged immediate reporting of any suspicious activity via the emergency hotline (112), noting that emergency teams operate around the clock to handle reports efficiently and swiftly, and that updates will be provided through official channels as events develop. Official spokesperson of the Health Ministry Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad announced that “in light of the rapid developments in the region, the ministry is in continuous session as it closely monitors the current situation in the region.”

He revealed that “emergency meetings were convened under the chairmanship of Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, with the participation of Undersecretary Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, along with leaders of vital sectors and departments, to review the emergency response plans and elevate preparedness levels in line with the current situation.” He stressed that the national health system, drawing on its accumulated expertise, is operating according to clear and proactive plans. “These include securing and reinforcing the strategic stockpile of medicines, medical supplies and equipment, reviewing supply chains, and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services in all hospitals and specialized centers,” he added. He said the readiness of emergency departments and intensive care units has been confirmed, along with the preparedness of medical and technical personnel to operate in accordance with the highest standards of rapid response.

He disclosed that emergency teams are in continuous session, maintaining coordination with relevant government entities to ensure integrated efforts and swift decision-making whenever required. He emphasized that operations are being conducted through an institutional framework grounded in early detection, continuous assessment, and proactive readiness for any potential scenario. He confirmed that no cases have been recorded or received to date, and that, in light of the current developments, the ministry has not received any health-related reports concerning this matter. “Monitoring continues round the clock,” he added. He reiterated that ensuring the health and safety of the community is a national priority and there is no room for compromise. He affirmed that all available resources are being mobilized to guarantee the highest standard of protection and care. He called on the public to remain calm, rely on official sources for information, and refrain from spreading rumors, underscoring that trust and cooperation are essential under these circumstances.

Kuwait strongly condemned what it described as a “heinous Iranian attack” that targeted Kuwaiti territory earlier in the day, in a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, airspace, international law and the Charter of the UN. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Kuwait’s full and inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, in response to what it termed this flagrant aggression, in a manner proportionate to the scale and nature of the attack and consistent with international law. The ministry stressed that Kuwait will take all necessary measures to protect its territory, people and residents, in a way that safeguards its sovereignty, security and stability. The ministry stressed that Kuwait’s air defenses successfully repelled the attack in accordance with approved operational procedures and applicable rules of engagement, warning that the continuation of such aggressive military acts in the region would undermine regional security and stability.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Interior activated air raid sirens throughout the country after missiles were detected in the national airspace. The ministry stated that an intermittent tone signals an imminent danger or disaster, a wavering tone indicates an ongoing or approaching threat, and a continuous tone signifies that the danger has subsided and the situation is safe. It urged the public to remain calm and composed, to shut off gas and electricity sources, remove all flammable materials and store them in a secure location, avoid using elevators, use emergency exits and stairwells, move to lower floors or basements, and proceed immediately to a designated safe area such as a shelter or bunker. It advised citizens and expatriates to follow official media channels for instructions and updated civil defense guidance in this situation. Moreover, the General Staff of Kuwait Army announced that as part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard the airspace of the State of Kuwait, air defense systems engaged aerial missiles detected within the airspace as per the operational procedures and the rules of engagement.

The General Staff emphasized the importance of relying on official sources for accurate information and urged the public to disregard rumors and unverified reports. It added “may Allah protect Kuwait and its people under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Supreme Commander of Kuwait Armed Forces.” The Kuwait National Guard (KNG) confirmed that its forces are fully carrying out their duties in securing camps and other assigned sites, ensuring the safety and stability of the nation in coordination with the army, police, and the General Fire Force. In a statement issued by the Directorate of Moral Guidance, the Guard said its personnel maintain a high state of readiness to carry out any assigned mission. The statement also highlighted the activation of emergency plans and annual training exercises to maintain operational preparedness. The Public Authority for Civil Aviation announced Saturday closure of airspace due to political and security developments in the region. “This is a precautionary decision aimed at preserving safety and security of passengers, airlines and operations in Kuwait International Airport from any possible dangers,” spokesman Abdullah Al-Rajhi told KUNA. He said concerned authorities were following developments in coordination with local and international partners. He said the civil aviation would keep the public informed of developments. Kuwait Airways announced Saturday the postponement of all arrivals and departures at Kuwait International Airport due to current regional developments, citing the safety of passengers and aircraft as a priority.

In a post on X, the airline said flights will be rescheduled at a later date, with new schedules communicated directly to passengers based on the contact information provided in their tickets. It urged travelers to rely on official Kuwait Airways channels for accurate information. Passengers can also contact the airline’s customer service for inquiries at 171 within Kuwait, or +96524345555 (ext. 171) from abroad. Additional support is available through the airline’s WhatsApp service at +9651802050.

By Munif Naif and Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies