KUWAIT: As military attacks escalate between Iran and the Zionist entity, raising fears of nuclear safety risks across the region, Kuwaiti authorities have affirmed their full readiness to safeguard public health and water supplies. Officials confirmed that hospitals, clinics, desalination facilities, and power plants are all operating normally, with emergency protocols activated and strategic freshwater reserves steadily increasing.

The escalation began after the entity strikes targeted multiple Iranian nuclear facilities, including uranium enrichment sites at Natanz and Fordow, and a uranium conversion facility in Isfahan. While Iran has reported no radiation leaks, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not detected abnormal levels, global nuclear watchdogs have raised alarm over potential consequences. “Nuclear facilities must never be attacked,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned, adding that the strikes could have “grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.”

Nuclear policy analyst Kelsey Davenport told AFP that there is “very little risk” of a harmful radiation release from enrichment sites like Natanz. However, she warned that an attack on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant could “have a serious impact on health and the environment.”

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy confirmed that all power generation and water desalination operations are running normally under existing operational plans. “The ministry is fully prepared to deal with any emergency through an integrated plan that includes procedures to ensure the continuity of these vital services,” said ministry spokesperson Fatima Jawhar Hayat. “The strategic stockpile of freshwater is steadily growing, in addition to the availability of groundwater reserves, which strengthens the national system’s ability to endure and respond under different conditions.”

The ministry also encouraged the public to participate in the national conservation campaign “Waffer”, aimed at promoting more efficient consumption of electricity and water, especially in the current environment of heightened regional uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has activated its own emergency protocols. Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials to review preparedness plans and ensure service continuity across the healthcare sector. “Medical services are proceeding smoothly … medicines and medical supplies are readily available,” said ministry spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad. “The Central Blood Bank has a sufficient reserve and continues to receive donors in accordance with the national readiness plan.” He confirmed that all hospitals and clinics are fully staffed and that health sector logistics are being continually updated to match potential demand.

Across the region, monitoring systems continue to report no signs of radiation leakage. Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment confirmed on Saturday that “no abnormal radiation levels” have been recorded in the kingdom, while the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Emergency Management Center announced on Friday that all radiation indicators across member states remain within “safe and permissible technical levels.” Authorities across the GCC have called on the public to remain calm, follow official guidance, and avoid spreading rumors or unverified information. — Agencies

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Cabinet has directed the Civil Service Commission to establish a new accountability mechanism for unexcused absences in ministries and government entities. The move comes after several government departments reported low attendance rates on the first day back from the Eid holiday, with some offices seeing less than 60 percent of employees return to work. The new system, according to a Cabinet statement, is intended to curb a recurring pattern of absenteeism—particularly on days adjacent to public holidays—and to ensure greater discipline and efficiency across the public sector. The Cabinet has given the Civil Service Commission two weeks to develop a framework linking unexcused absences directly to key areas of employee evaluation, including annual performance reviews, eligibility for excellence bonuses, and promotions. The directive follows growing frustration over what some describe as routine manipulation of leave policies, including the use of sick days to extend holiday breaks—often at the expense of citizens waiting for government transactions.
Attendance lags post-Eid
ublic sector absenteeism has long plagued Kuwait’s government offices, drawing criticism from lawmakers and citizens alike. Despite repeated warnings from the Civil Service Commission, the issue tends to spike around public holidays. The impact of post-holiday absenteeism was evident this week. The Ministry of Social Affairs reported just 50 percent employee attendance on the first official workday following Eid. Public Relations Director Fatima Al-Salama said in a statement the ministry was working to restore full operational capacity gradually while ensuring continuity of essential services. “Administrative leadership is closely monitoring attendance to ensure employees return to their posts in line with established protocols,” she stated. According to Al-Jarida, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy fared better, recording a 75 percent return rate. With more than 37,000 employees across the country, officials said the ministry’s operations had resumed without major disruptions. At the Ministry of Public Works, attendance reached 76 percent. — Agencies

KUWAIT: A joint force from the Kuwait Armed Forces 25th Commando Brigade and the Ministry of Interior’s Special Forces departed Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base this morning to participate in the 14th edition of the Annual Warrior Competition, held at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center in Jordan. In a statement, the Kuwait Armed Forces General Staff described the competition as one of the most prominent military contests, featuring elite special forces from friendly and allied countries competing in field challenges designed to simulate real combat scenarios. The event aims to enhance the operational efficiency of special units and foster the exchange of expertise in counterterrorism and special operations. — KUNA