Safe, controlled returns for Kuwaitis and expats

KUWAIT CITY, March 11: Official spokesperson of the National Guard Brigadier Jadaan Fadhel Jadaan announced on Wednesday morning that the Kuwait Armed Forces shot down eight hostile drones in the areas under their jurisdiction. In a press statement, Jadaan emphasized that the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting the national security and the vital sites against any external threats. He advised the public to strictly comply with the safety instructions of the competent authorities and cooperate with the military and police forces in maintaining the stability of the country.

In addition, official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Colonel Saud Al-Atwan announced that the Kuwait Armed Forces intercepted a wave of hostile aerial targets to the airspace of the country from dawn until midnight on Tuesday. In a press statement, Al-Atwan disclosed that the air defense systems detected five hostile drones -- four were engaged and destroyed, while one crashed outside the threat zone.

He clarified that the sounds of explosions heard in some parts of the country were the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile aerial targets, as confirmed by the General Staff of the Army. He urged everyone to fully abide by the security and safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities, emphasizing that the Kuwaiti Armed Forces is fully prepared to deal with threats and anything aimed at destabilizing national security, thereby, ensuring the preservation of its sovereignty, security and stability.

Furthermore, in a media briefing earlier, Al-Atwan reaffirmed the high efficiency and readiness of the military and security forces. He stated that they are closely monitoring regional developments, taking the necessary defensive measures to protect the airspace of the country, and maintaining the security and safety of its citizens and residents. He reported that two ballistic missiles were detected penetrating the airspace of the country over the past 24 hours. He said the air defense systems intercepted and destroyed the missiles in the southern part of the country.

He added that the Kuwait Armed Forces destroyed a drone in the North, while the National Guard, in cooperation with other military branches, destroyed six drones in the South. He also affirmed the coordination of the Armed Forces with other military sectors. He said His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, issued a directive to work with full integration and readiness to ensure the security and safety of everyone under all circumstances. Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah stressed on Wednesday the importance of redoubling efforts in light of the current situation in Kuwait and the region, as the current stage requires the highest levels of vigilance and readiness as he praised the high morale and unwavering resolve he witnessed among the members of the Kuwaiti army.

This came in a press release by the Ministry of Defense after the Minister’s inspection visit to a number of units and sites that belong to the Kuwaiti army to review the progress of work and monitor the level of combat readiness and preparedness. The Minister expressed his deep pride and appreciation for the sincere efforts made by the Kuwaiti army in their various positions, commending their dedication, sincerity, and high sense of responsibility in performing their national duty. He affirmed that the armed forces will always remain a strong fortress for the nation, and that they are a source of pride and appreciation and they embody the highest meanings of loyalty, belonging and sacrifice for the sake of Kuwait.

Meanwhile, Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Nasser Bousalib said the security forces are monitoring developments round the clock, stressing that the internal situation remains under control and that the readiness level to protect the public is high. He revealed that the bomb disposal teams responded to 15 field reports about shrapnel from defensive interception operations over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 329 since the start of the aggression. He added that sirens were activated twice and the total number of activations since the beginning of the aggression reached 82.

In related news, Interior Ministry Undersecretary Major-General Abdulwahhab Al-Wuhaib has underlined importance of providing all facilities for citizens and residents returning to Kuwait via border crossings, out of keenness on safety of all. He made the statement following visit to the department of security of facilities and Nuwaiseeb crossing, late Tuesday, to see first-hand procedures and how personnel readiness level.

He called for vigilance and application of all on all, a ministry statement said. Al-Wuhaib, who thanked the personnel for their dedication, urged them to exert further efforts to safeguard the nation’s security and stability. On Tuesday, Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs affirmed that the social support system in Kuwait remains fully prepared, with all concerned entities working in close coordination to ensure the continued provision of essential services.

The remarks were made by Director General of the Social Welfare Department Dr. Jassim Al-Kandari during a media briefing on the latest developments in light of the ongoing regional situation. Al-Kandari said Kuwait’s strategic reserves remain sufficient, stressing that food supplies, consumer goods, gas, and ration items are available as usual, noting there is no need for panic buying or stockpiling. He expressed confidence in the awareness of Kuwaiti society regarding moderate consumption and community solidarity. He added that the ministry has taken swift action on several fronts, activating its approved emergency plan to ensure the safety of residents in social care facilities and the continuity of services under all circumstances. Al-Kandari stressed that protecting individuals under social care is a national responsibility, noting that the ministry has implemented a comprehensive emergency plan to strengthen readiness in residential care homes and ensure uninterrupted services.

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