Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior issued a statement detailing how First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah announced the swift resumption of operations at the Abdaly border crossing with Iraq. Sheikh Fahad made the declaration in a joint press conference with Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani after entering Iraq via the Safwan crossing. The minister directed concerned authorities to complete damage assessments and implement measures ensuring a return to normal traffic flows that serve mutual interests. He further emphasized that reciprocal visits would proceed to safeguard the relationship between the two countries.
Al-Sabah told the gathering that the Abdaly border crossing will reopen to passenger and trade traffic within 48 hours regardless of recent developments. The ministry’s account noted that Al-Sabah described the two nations as permanent neighbors and brothers whose bonds cannot be shaken by external factors. Eidani welcomed the Kuwaiti delegation and highlighted Iraq’s commitment to brotherhood, shared interests and joint work on regional stability according to the joint press conference record.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence had reported on July 23 that hostile drones repeatedly targeted the Abdaly facility resulting in material damage but no human casualties. Competent teams immediately began clearance operations and removal of debris in line with established procedures following that strike. The interior minister inspected the site himself during the July 25 visit and instructed rapid repairs to restore full functionality at the key land crossing.
The General Administration of Customs separately detailed how its head Yousef Al-Nuwaif along with Vice President for Ports Investigation and Customs Search Saleh Al-Omar conducted their own assessment at the crossing. According to the official GAC statement Al-Nuwaif reviewed the impact of the attack with field officials and praised personnel for sustaining customs duties under difficult conditions. Al-Nuwaif reaffirmed the body’s dedication to maintaining operations across all entry points through enhanced security coordination with relevant agencies.
S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index survey had previously linked export slowdowns in Kuwait to earlier border closures with Iraq amid regional tensions. The Abdaly crossing serves as a primary conduit for both passenger movement and commercial exchanges between the two economies. Al-Sabah’s announcement aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts that have persisted despite a February 2026 flare-up over maritime boundaries in which Gulf states expressed support for Kuwaiti sovereignty according to reports by the Associated Press.
