Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense announced that the Abdali border crossing came under attack by hostile drones on the afternoon of July 23, 2026. The incident resulted in material damage to infrastructure at the site but no human casualties, according to the official statement. Specialized teams were deployed right away to the border area to begin assessment and response activities.
Ministry spokesman Major General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi stated that the attack resulted only in property damage, with no human casualties reported. He said specialized teams were immediately dispatched to the scene to manage the incident and implement the necessary security measures in coordination with the relevant authorities. The response included coordination across multiple government bodies to ensure comprehensive coverage of the affected zone.
According to the ministry, inspection and explosive disposal teams from the Land Force have begun surveying and securing the area while removing drone debris in accordance with approved technical procedures. This step is designed to eliminate any remaining hazards and restore safety to the border facility. The process follows standard protocols established for such incidents to prevent secondary risks.
Asharq Al-Awsat reported that Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sabah al-Khaled announced the reopening of the Abdali crossing in December 2021 to enhance economic cooperation, trade exchange and movement between Kuwait and Iraq. Head of Iraq’s Border Ports Authority Omar al-Waeli underlined the economic and commercial significance of this border checkpoint for both countries at the time. The crossing remains the only land border post connecting the two nations, a status that has persisted since its initial establishment.
Lost with Purpose reported that the Kuwait-Iraq border crossing at Abdali and Safwan is frequently used by travelers from Saudi Arabia to Iraq due to the relative security of the area. The site notes that processing involves multiple steps and can take several hours. Overland Birds added that the crossing presents challenges particularly on the Iraqi side with extended procedures for vehicles and personnel.
The ministry’s statement added that the armed forces carry out their duties with a high level of efficiency and maintain continuous readiness to protect Kuwait’s borders and safeguard the country’s security and stability. Investigation into the drone attack is ongoing with support from various security agencies. Debris analysis and site forensics form part of the continued efforts at the location.
