Kuwait Thwarts Possible ISIS Terrorist Attack on New Year’s Eve

Kuwait Thwarts Possible ISIS Terrorist Attack on New Year’s Eve
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Kuwait Thwarts Possible ISIS Terrorist Attack on New Year’s Eve

Kuwait Thwarts Possible ISIS Terrorist Attack on New Year’s Eve

Kuwait’s security services have thwarted a possible ISIS terrorist attack targeting compounds and places of worship on New Year’s Eve.

The government decided to close the places of worship and ban gatherings during the celebration of religious holidays in public areas, starting Dec.24.

Although it linked the decision to the preventive measures applied to limit the spread of coronavirus, it came amid news of a raised security alert after exposingthe ISIS cell.

Six young Kuwaitis have been arrested for contacting the terrorist organization, sources said, adding that it recruited them through a famous online game.

Al-Qabas Newspaper reported that the Ministry of Interior’s investigations with the juvenile cell revealed that its main operator was the son of a former member in the National Assembly.

Apparently, he was the first to be contacted and enrolled by ISIS members, it noted.

The young boy recruited the rest of his comrades in favor of the extremist organization, the newspaper noted, adding that they were asked to target compounds and mosques on New Year’s Eve.

Police confiscated firearms and computers that contained chats and coordination schemes to carry out terrorist acts in the juveniles’ possession.

The interior ministry deployed patrols of fully equipped special forces units inside residential complexes and shopping malls in a step aimed at imposing discipline and observing the law, it said.

This is not the first time that ISIS targets Kuwait. In 2015, the terrorist organization carried out a suicide attack against a mosque in the al-Sawaber area in the capital, killing 27 and injuring 227 in June 2015.

On Nov. 19, 2015, authorities arrested members of an extremist network that financed ISIS’s terrorist activities and obtained missiles and ammunition for the terrorist organization. The cell included 10 people, most of whom were foreigners.



Iran Signals Readiness to Expand Economic, Cultural Ties with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA
Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA
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Iran Signals Readiness to Expand Economic, Cultural Ties with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA
Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA

Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, described Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Riyadh as a clear sign on Tehran’s willingness to deepen economic and cultural relations with the kingdom.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Enayati said Tuesday’s visit focused on reviewing bilateral ties and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. He emphasized Tehran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Riyadh and neighboring countries based on good neighborliness and shared interests.

During the visit, Araghchi held a series of high-level meetings with key Saudi officials, including Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Enayati said Iran is ready to broaden cooperation with Saudi Arabia across economic, trade, and cultural sectors. He highlighted that the Crown Prince expressed satisfaction with the growing understanding and collaboration between the two leading Muslim nations.

The ambassador, who attended the meetings, added that the Crown Prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s determination to continue advancing this path and develop relations in all fields.

Enayati also recalled Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of military aggression against Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He said the Crown Prince stressed that regional security and stability depend on cooperation and understanding among countries in the region. This includes leveraging all capabilities to prevent escalation and insecurity and prioritizing diplomatic tools to resolve disputes, according to Iran’s envoy.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed hope that the recently agreed ceasefire will help foster security and stability across the region, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.

During a reception for Araghchi in Jeddah, the Crown Prince reaffirmed Riyadh’s support for resolving disputes through diplomatic dialogue, describing it as the best path to lasting peace.

Araghchi thanked Saudi Arabia for its condemnation of Israeli aggression and praised the Crown Prince’s efforts to bolster regional security and stability.

Enayati conveyed Araghchi’s praise for “fruitful” security and defense consultations between the two countries.

Enayati described a recent visit to Tehran by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman as “highly significant and effective in advancing cooperation to strengthen regional security and stability.”

He added that Prince Khalid firmly condemned Israeli military aggression against Iran and extended condolences for the deaths of Iranian military and civilian figures in the attacks, according to the Iranian ambassador.

Prince Khalid took to X to outline the scope of his recent talks with Araghchi, emphasizing bilateral cooperation and regional security.

On his part, Enayati told Asharq Al-Awsat that Araghchi expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for its “valuable assistance” in facilitating the return of Iranian pilgrims amid disruptions caused by Israeli military aggression against Iran.

Enayati also relayed comments from Araghchi attributing recent Israeli attacks to what he described as the “impunity” enjoyed by the Israeli regime for its crimes against the Palestinian people and ongoing aggression toward other regional states.

The Iranian foreign minister strongly condemned the continued killing and displacement of Palestinians and the ongoing occupation.

He further denounced Israel’s repeated strikes against Lebanon and Syria, condemning the United Nations Security Council’s “silence and inaction,” which he described as a key factor in regional insecurity.