Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said it had arrested members of a Hezbollah-affiliated terrorist cell accused of planning operations that threatened national security. Authorities described the operation as a major success in preventing destabilising activities inside the country. The group was reportedly linked to external networks and had been under surveillance before being apprehended. The case highlights Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to counter extremist threats and maintain internal stability amid a volatile regional environment.

Seven hostile drones shot down

In a separate development, the Kuwait National Guard announced it had intercepted and downed seven hostile drones within 24 hours, signalling a sharp escalation in aerial threats. Officials did not disclose the origin of the drones but indicated they were considered hostile and posed a direct security risk. The incident reflects a broader pattern of increasing drone activity across the Gulf, where such technology is being used in asymmetric warfare.

Kuwait condemns Iranian attacks

Kuwait strongly condemned continued Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states, aligning with broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) positions. In a statement, Kuwaiti authorities criticised Tehran’s actions as destabilising and called for respect for regional sovereignty.

Dispute over UN reporting

Kuwait also rejected aspects of recent United Nations reporting , arguing that the assessments failed to clearly and explicitly condemn Iran’s role in the attacks. Officials said the omission undermines international accountability and called for stronger global responses to escalating security threats in the region.

GCC issues unified response

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) echoed Kuwait’s stance , issuing a collective condemnation of what it described as “heinous” Iranian attacks against member states. The unified response underscores growing alignment among Gulf nations as they face shared security challenges, particularly in relation to missile and drone threats.

In a joint statement released after the meeting, the GCC leaders condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, expressing concern about the displacement of Palestinian civilians and the destruction of vital infrastructure.

They denounced these actions as clear violations of international laws and rights. Additionally, the leaders warned about the potential spread of the conflict to other areas in the Middle East and called for an immediate end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, urging Israel to return to negotiations for a two-state solution.

Erdogan, attending at Qatar's invitation, highlighted the significant trade ties between Turkey and GCC countries, reaching $23 billion.

Condemning Israel's attacks on Gaza, Erdogan accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing "war crimes against humanity" and endangering the entire region for political gain.

As Israeli forces continue their attacks in Gaza, the GCC leaders called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, expressing hope for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

The statement also emphasized the need for international intervention to establish a ceasefire, rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip, and end the "occupation of Palestinian land."

The GCC leaders underscored the potential risks of the conflict spreading further in the absence of decisive action and urged the international community to address the situation promptly.