Kuwait delivered a diplomatic protest to Iraq on March 5 2026 after armed factions operating from Iraqi territory launched attacks on its soil the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Aziz Al-Daihani handed the note to Charge d’Affaires Zaid Shanshul condemning the actions as a breach of sovereignty that caused casualties and damage. The ministry called on Iraq to take tangible measures to stop the attacks while affirming Kuwait’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter according to a statement carried by KUNA.
The ministry’s statement described the attacks as dangerous practices that violate Kuwait’s sovereignty and constitute a blatant breach of international law. It noted that the incidents resulted in casualties among both civilians and military personnel in addition to significant material losses. Ambassador Al-Daihani stressed that such aggression from Iraqi territory or that of any neighbor represents a crime under international norms. He emphasized the need for Iraq to address the issue practically to prevent recurrence according to the statement released via KUNA.
This action marked an early response in what became a series of protests. Kurdistan24 reported on March 30 that Kuwait lodged a second protest with Iraq over continued cross-border attacks urging Baghdad to deter the perpetrators and affirming its right to protect its security. The persistence of incidents highlighted ongoing challenges in securing the shared border.
Regional tensions have amplified border security concerns this year. A U.S. Embassy security alert in Baghdad on March 15 warned of the continuing threat of missile and drone attacks that disrupted commercial flights out of Kuwait. Al Jazeera reported in April that angry protesters swarmed the Kuwaiti consulate in Basra after a deadly rocket attack in Khor al-Zubair that killed at least three people.
The incidents occur against a backdrop of historical border disputes between the two countries. A Congressional Research Service report notes that the land border was delineated by a United Nations commission following the 1991 Gulf War under Resolution 833. Maritime boundaries remain under discussion with both nations developing ports on the Khor Abdullah waterway the report added.
Kuwait has maintained close defense ties with the United States which maintains a significant military presence in the country. The CRS document states that only Germany Japan and South Korea host more U.S. forces than Kuwait when including rotational troops. This partnership reaffirmed in October 2025 by then-Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscores Kuwait’s strategic position amid regional instability.
In later developments pro-Iranian militia activities have been linked to the attacks. The Wall Street Journal reported in April that escalating violence involving pro-Iranian groups near the borders had led to attacks on the Kuwaiti consulate. Kuwait condemned the intrusion and sabotage of its diplomatic facility according to reports.
