Kuwait sentences three to death over plot to assassinate interior minister, alleged links to Iran and Hezbollah

A Kuwaiti court has sentenced three individuals to death and eight others to five years in prison in a case involving an alleged plot to assassinate Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and accusations of collusion with Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

The verdict was issued by Kuwait’s State Security and Terrorism Crimes Court, presided over by Judge Nasser Al-Bader, alongside judges Omar Al-Mulaifi, Abdullah Al-Faleh and Salem Al-Zayed.

According to the prosecution, the defendants faced charges of collaborating with foreign entities, planning hostile acts against Kuwait, targeting senior government officials, joining a banned organization and engaging in activities deemed harmful to national interests.

The charges also included plans to use explosives in the assassination attempt and create panic among the population.

Investigators accused one defendant of attempting to obtain explosives to facilitate the planned operation.

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In its ruling, the court stated that the defendants had sought to undermine Kuwait’s national security, provoke social unrest and weaken public confidence in the authorities’ ability to protect lives, property and state institutions.

The case comes amid heightened security measures in Kuwait aimed at countering what authorities describe as threats to national stability, including foreign interference and activities involving prohibited organizations.

The proceedings have attracted particular attention because of the alleged involvement of Iran and Hezbollah and the reported targeting of a senior member of the Kuwaiti government.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef serves as Kuwait’s Minister of Interior, overseeing internal security, policing, crime prevention and the protection of public order.

The report did not provide details of the defendants’ identities or indicate whether the verdicts would be appealed.

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