Kuwait honors its fallen heroes on invasion anniversary

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti martyrs who stood up to the 1990 Iraqi invasion are being remembered this week for their bravery and sacrifice. During the brutal seven-month invasion, Kuwaitis from all walks of life took up arms or supported the resistance in less visible but equally vital ways. “The martyrs of Kuwait wrote eternal epics with their pure blood,” said Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) in a special feature. “They became symbols of sacrifice in the face of occupation and left a profound impact on the national consciousness.”

Some were killed on the battlefield. Others were tortured to death or lost their lives in daring operations to protect fellow citizens. The Kuwaiti resistance played a critical role in confronting the occupiers — carrying out intelligence missions, sabotaging supply lines and targeting enemy forces. “This resistance was united, composed of various segments of Kuwaiti society, making it an everlasting example of national unity,” the feature noted.

KUWAIT: A car which belonged to Martyr Bader Al-Eedan is displayed at the Qurain Martyrs Museum. — KUNA photos

In the aftermath of liberation, the Kuwaiti government moved swiftly to ensure these sacrifices would never be forgotten. In 1991, it established the Kuwait Martyr Bureau to support the families of the fallen and to preserve their legacy. Projects like Al-Shaheed Park and the Qurain Martyrs Museum were created to document their stories and inspire future generations.

Today, Kuwaitis continue to draw strength from those memories. “They march in the footsteps of their martyrs, preserving the nation and its flag, drawing lessons of sacrifice and unity from their stories,” the report said.