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Kuwait wraps up Al-Jabriya 1 drill simulating aircraft hijack

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Drill coincides with 36th anniversary of the hijacking of Al-Jabriya flight in 1988

KUWAIT: The large-scale joint drill “Al-Jabriya 1”, led by Kuwait Air Force, concluded Thursday with participation from the Ministry of Interior, Commando Brigade 25, the Ministry of Health, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Kuwait Airways, while the National Guard took part as observers. The exercise simulated a hijacked aircraft and a hostage rescue operation, aiming to develop command, control, and communication systems and boost operational preparedness in realistic scenarios.

The drill coincides with the 36th anniversary of the return of the Al-Jabriya flight to Kuwait, a historic event that shaped the nation’s approach to security and crisis management. On April 5, 1988, Kuwait Airways Flight 422 was hijacked by terrorists during its flight from Bangkok to Kuwait, leading to a tense 16-day standoff. The aircraft was diverted to multiple countries, including Iran, Cyprus, and Algeria, as Kuwait negotiated for the safe release of the passengers. The crisis ended on April 20, 1988, when the hijackers freed the hostages, and the plane returned to Kuwait on April 21.

Lieutenant General Pilot Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, emphasized that the primary goal of the drill was to unite all entities under a shared mission — fostering joint action and reinforcing a spirit of teamwork across institutions. Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah described the drill as a successful model of inter-agency cooperation among military, security, and civil sectors. He noted that such collaboration enhances readiness and operational efficiency in facing evolving challenges.

According to a Ministry of Defense press release, Sheikh Abdullah sponsored and attended the closing ceremony at Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base. He and other senior officials then observed a live field scenario that demonstrated high-level coordination and execution under realistic operational conditions. The minister underscored the importance of seamless coordination across state institutions in managing crises and security emergencies. He praised the professionalism, discipline, and high morale of all participants and affirmed that drills like Al-Jabriya 1 play a crucial role in reinforcing national security readiness.

He concluded by praying for Allah’s protection over Kuwait and for continued security and stability under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince. Lt Gen Al-Sabah echoed these sentiments, stating that the Al-Jabriya 1 exercise exemplifies coordination and integration across sectors, helping build unified responses to emergencies. He commended the commitment of all involved, stressing that structured teamwork is essential to advancing collective preparedness. — Agencies

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Kuwait Commerce Min.: Protecting industrial system is Nat’l responsibility

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 KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of the Public Authority for Industry (PAI) Khalifa Al-Ajeel said on Monday that protecting the commercial and industrial system is a “national responsibility that requires concerted efforts.”

Minister Al-Ajeel emphasized in a statement to KUNA following an extensive inspection campaign in the south Amghara scrap yard, to “firmly deal with all violations and encroachments in accordance with legal frameworks where no one is above the law.”

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Al-Ajeel confirmed the continuation of inspection campaigns as well until the desired goals are reached, foremost being is restoring order and discipline to the area and removing all violations and encroachments.

He affirmed the ministry and the PAI’s commitment to cooperating with relevant authorities to continue these campaigns to ensure a safe and organized industrial and commercial environment.

The campaign resulted in the seizure of several violations and closure of several non-compliant units in preparation for taking necessary legal action against their exploiters.

Participating in the campaign was General Fire Force (KFF) Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi, along with several executive leaders from the PAI. — KUNA

 

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Human Rights Committee session begins with focus on Gaza, regional challenges

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CAIRO: The 56th regular session of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights commenced on Monday with the participation of Kuwait and representatives from Arab states concerned with human rights affairs. In his opening address, Ahmed Maghari, supervisor of the Human Rights Department at the League of Arab States, underscored the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it a stark indicator of the region’s human rights reality. “We cannot speak of the state of human rights without acknowledging the catastrophic conditions faced by our brothers in Gaza, where securing the most basic necessities has become a matter of survival,” he said. Maghari described the ongoing Zionist aggression in Gaza as a profound moral and humanitarian challenge, noting that the Palestinian people continue to endure daily suffering under constant bombardment, displacement and destruction. He lamented the international community’s continued inaction in the face of clear violations of international law and human rights norms. “The occupying power persists in defying international legitimacy and the decisions of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the International Court of Justice,” he said.

Held at a time of mounting regional tensions, the session comes amid escalating challenges that directly affect fundamental human rights. Maghari highlighted the Committee’s historic role since its establishment in 1968 in developing the Arab human rights framework both legally and practically, while also fostering cooperation with regional and international partners. He expressed hope that the session would yield effective recommendations to help confront the pressing challenges in the region. He pointed to the rise of conflicts and violence globally, along with the resulting serious human rights violations, as major concerns.

Emerging issues such as the intersection of human rights with climate change, artificial intelligence, and the spread of alien ideologies that undermine human dignity were also noted. “In light of these challenges, we must reinforce our solidarity and collective action to enhance peace, stability, and the security of our societies,” Maghari added. The two-day session, chaired by Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights, will review the General Secretariat’s report on the implementation of previous recommendations up to the 55th session.

Discussions will also focus on Zionist violations in occupied Arab territories, the plight of Arab prisoners and detainees in Zionist prisons, and the issue of the bodies of Palestinian and Arab martyrs held in so-called “numbered cemeteries.” Other agenda items include the Arab Charter on Human Rights and preparations for Arab Human Rights Day, which will be observed on March 16, 2026. Kuwait is represented at the meeting by a delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah.— KUNA

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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