Kuwait Probes Suspected Financial Transfers to Hezbollah in Lebanon

An aerial view shows little traffic on the roads of Kuwait City after the country entered virtual lockdown, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. (Reuters)
An aerial view shows little traffic on the roads of Kuwait City after the country entered virtual lockdown, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. (Reuters)
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Kuwait Probes Suspected Financial Transfers to Hezbollah in Lebanon

An aerial view shows little traffic on the roads of Kuwait City after the country entered virtual lockdown, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. (Reuters)
An aerial view shows little traffic on the roads of Kuwait City after the country entered virtual lockdown, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. (Reuters)

Kuwait’s security authorities are carrying out an extensive investigation into suspicious financial transfers that could be directed to financing the Hezbollah party in Lebanon. The Public Prosecution is questioning eight detainees in connection with the transfers.

Last Thursday, Kuwaiti security authorities arrested a group accused of working and collaborating with Hezbollah and forming a cell in the country.

The sources said other people could also be arrested in the case, adding that the detainees denied the charges of financing Hezbollah’s activities, but stated that they had been making transfers over many years for the benefit of charitable organizations and institutions in Lebanon. The Public Prosecution is seeking to verify the claims.

Since May 2018, Kuwait has designated as terrorist Hezbollah’s military wing and ten of its prominent leaders. It took this action in partnership with the US and Gulf states, as part of efforts to combat terrorism financing.

On its terrorist list, Kuwait designated each of Naim Qassem, Muhammad Yazbek, Hussein Khalil, Hashem Safieddine, Talal Hamiyeh, Adham Tabajah, Hassan Ibrahim, Maher Trading, Al-Enmaa Group for Projects and Engineering, Ali Youssef Sharara, Ibrahim Amin al-Sayed and Hussein Ibrahim.

On Aug. 13, 2015, Kuwaiti authorities announced the arrest of a Hezbollah cell that was storing and possessing weapons on a farm in the Abdali area, in a case known as the Abdali cell.



Saudi Arabia to Support Syria’s Healthcare Sector

Saudi delegation inspects hospital in Damascus to assess healthcare situation and identify needs (SANA)
Saudi delegation inspects hospital in Damascus to assess healthcare situation and identify needs (SANA)
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Saudi Arabia to Support Syria’s Healthcare Sector

Saudi delegation inspects hospital in Damascus to assess healthcare situation and identify needs (SANA)
Saudi delegation inspects hospital in Damascus to assess healthcare situation and identify needs (SANA)

Saudi Arabia’s air bridge has delivered 730 tons of food, medical supplies, and shelter to Syria. Meanwhile, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) announced that over 3,000 Saudi medical professionals have signed up for its “Amal” (Hope) program.
This initiative aims to support Syria’s healthcare system and address urgent needs in over 20 specialties.
Volunteer medical staff will be sent to Syria after a field assessment of the country’s healthcare facilities. A Saudi delegation is currently visiting hospitals and medical centers in Syria as part of a plan developed in coordination with the Syrian Ministry of Health.
A team from KSrelief recently visited the University Children’s Hospital in Damascus to assess its needs, accompanied by Syrian Ministry of Health officials.
This visit is part of a wider assessment, which has already covered more than ten hospitals and medical centers in Syria to identify needs for staff, equipment, and supplies.
In urgent aid efforts, a Saudi land convoy crossed the border from Jordan to Syria on Sunday, delivering heavy medical equipment, such as MRI machines, X-ray and CT scan devices, which cannot be transported by air.
It also carried essential medications like antibiotics, anesthetics, and surgical supplies. These will be distributed across Syria to support hospitals and medical centers affected by the ongoing crisis.
Dr. Samer Al-Jutaili, KSrelief’s spokesperson, said the 730 tons of aid delivered by air and land bridges will reach all accessible areas in Syria.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he explained that the center’s plan to stabilize Syria’s food security and healthcare sectors was developed after meetings and ongoing field visits to assess the situation. The goal is to help Syria reach an early recovery phase.