The Ministry of Interior announced Tuesday that two minors had been taken into custody by State Security Service personnel. The arrests followed extensive monitoring, investigations and security follow-up that uncovered the youths’ alleged communications with Islamic State group members. The minors reportedly received training in manufacturing explosives as part of a plan to strike a place of worship linked to one of the country’s religious sects. Legal procedures have been initiated and the case referred to competent authorities for prosecution.
The ministry stated that it will continue monitoring all suspicious activities across the board. It pledged to take every necessary legal measure to counter potential threats to national security. The statement also directed a public appeal to parents to remain vigilant about their children’s exposure to extremist content.
Kuwait has maintained a sustained focus on countering ISIS-inspired activities for more than a decade. A 2015 suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Kuwait City killed 27 people in the country’s deadliest terrorist attack, an assault later claimed by the Islamic State group according to contemporary reports. The US Department of State Country Reports on Terrorism 2023 noted that Kuwait’s State Security arrested five individuals with suspected ties to ISIS or al-Qaida that year, with all cases referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Similar pre-emptive operations have occurred in subsequent years. Gulf News reported in September 2025 that security forces detained an Egyptian expatriate accused of planning bombings at houses of worship after the suspect confessed to Islamic State affiliation and knowledge of explosive construction. That case was framed by officials as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks before attacks could materialise.
The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly emphasised the role of community awareness in preventing radicalisation. Its latest statement urged families to monitor social media usage and to educate young people about the dangers posed by terrorist organisations. Such guidance forms part of a broader approach that integrates law enforcement with public cooperation to safeguard places of worship and public spaces.
