Kuwait strongly condemned Iran on Saturday following a series of missile and drone attacks targeting vital infrastructure across the country, including power and water desalination plants, oil sector facilities, and military installations. The assaults caused fires, significant material damage, and injuries, officials said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the attacks as part of a “systematic aggressive approach” aimed at civilian targets, accusing Iran of violating international law, humanitarian principles, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. Kuwait held Iran fully responsible and demanded an immediate cessation of such actions. The ministry also reaffirmed Kuwait’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its security and critical infrastructure under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Kuwait’s armed forces detected and intercepted ballistic missiles and hostile drones entering Kuwaiti airspace early Saturday. Spokesperson Colonel Saud Al-Atwan stated that the attacks struck both military and civilian facilities, leading to fires and extensive damage to oil, electricity, and water infrastructure. Debris from intercepted missiles landed in various areas, causing property damage but no fatalities.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) reported that one of its essential oil facilities was repeatedly targeted, sustaining major material losses and injuries. Emergency responders evacuated the injured, and coordination with relevant authorities has been ongoing. The Kuwait Fire Force confirmed that several firefighters and an oil sector worker were injured while combating fires at the affected sites. Multiple fire response teams worked alongside oil sector personnel to extinguish fires caused by the attacks and falling shrapnel in residential neighborhoods.
The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said another power generation and desalination station was hit, igniting a fire in part of the facility. Emergency procedures prompted a temporary shutdown of some generation units to ensure the safety of the plant and workers. Electricity Minister Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, accompanied by ministry officials, inspected the damaged stations and reviewed emergency response efforts following a six-hour firefighting operation that successfully contained the blaze. He commended the rapid response by firefighting and technical teams and highlighted ongoing damage assessments and restoration work.
Spokesperson Fatima Johar Hayat noted that the public’s cooperation in reducing electricity consumption helped alleviate pressure on the electricity system during the attacks, contributing to system stability and continuity of service. She expressed gratitude to citizens, government agencies, the private sector, and media for promoting awareness on consumption rationalization.
Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed the readiness of Kuwait’s healthcare system, including hospitals and primary care centers, to manage the situation, confirming the availability of necessary medical supplies and strategic reserves. Speaking at a crisis center meeting involving senior health officials, Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized that health services continued uninterrupted amid the emergency.
Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah and senior military officials visited injured service members hospitalized due to the attacks, receiving briefings on their medical status and treatment progress. Health Ministry Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Salman Khalifa Al-Sabah also visited the injured to oversee the medical care provided.
The General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces reported ongoing operations by air defense systems to intercept hostile missiles and drones, warning residents that explosions heard were from interception efforts and advising the public to adhere to official safety guidance. In response to the security situation, Kuwait Airways temporarily suspended takeoff and landing operations at Kuwait International Airport, rescheduling most flights and urging passengers to monitor official updates.
On the diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss regional developments, efforts to de-escalate tensions, and initiatives aimed at preserving regional security and stability.