The General Directorate of Coast Guard apprehended three Iranian nationals accused of piracy and armed robbery in Kuwaiti territorial waters on Jan. 26, the Ministry of Interior reported. Surveillance systems detected an unidentified speedboat nearing the maritime border, after which the suspects attempted evasive maneuvers before the vessel was intercepted and seized. The individuals were taken into custody and referred to the Public Prosecution following an investigation that linked them to attacks on a Kuwaiti fishing boat and other vessels in the area.
The Ministry of Interior reported that the operation formed part of ongoing measures to safeguard territorial integrity, protect economic interests and maintain security in Kuwaiti waters. Investigations established the suspects’ involvement in multiple acts of piracy and armed assault against local maritime traffic. All legal and procedural requirements were completed prior to the handover for prosecution.
Arab Times reported the coast guard’s rapid response after the initial detection through its monitoring systems. The publication detailed how the pursuit concluded with the boarding and seizure of the speedboat carrying the three individuals. No injuries were reported during the interception according to the account.
Figures from the ICC International Maritime Bureau show that global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents rose to 137 in 2025 from 116 in 2024. The IMB Annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report classified most of those cases as low-level while noting that 46 crew members were taken hostage during the period. Kuwait’s action occurred against a regional pattern that has seen continued activity in the Gulf and adjacent waters.
Reuters reported in May that Kuwaiti authorities arrested four people affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who attempted to enter by sea. The state news agency KUNA covered both that event and the January coast guard operation as examples of enhanced border monitoring. The incidents reflect sustained focus on maritime approaches according to the available accounts.
The General Directorate of Coast Guard operates as the primary agency for such interdictions under the Ministry of Interior. Its units conducted the January 26 interception after the vessel was spotted approaching from outside Kuwaiti waters. The directorate maintains responsibility for handing over all such cases to prosecutors for further action.
Public Prosecution officials received the three suspects along with evidence gathered from the seized vessel. The ministry provided no additional details on the identities of the individuals or the precise charges they face. KUNA reported that the operation concluded with the completion of all preliminary procedures at sea.
