Kuwait and Pakistan sign military and defence deal

Kuwait and Pakistan inked a defence and military cooperation agreement on Thursday, reflecting the evolving regional alliances amidst the Iran war. The pact was unveiled during a visit by Kuwaiti Defence Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al Sabah to Islamabad. During the meeting, the ministers focused on enhancing military cooperation, regional security, and stability concerns.

The agreement, described as a significant step, involves coordination, expertise exchange, and increased integration of armed forces. It indicates a strengthening of defense ties between the two nations, especially as both are deeply involved in the Iran war. Pakistan has been a key mediator between the US and Iran, with its robust military playing a crucial role in the ongoing negotiations.

Kuwait, like other Gulf countries, has grappled with security challenges this year, including Iran's attacks and alleged domestic plots in sympathy with the Iranian regime. Earlier this month, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which stipulates that an attack on one state is an attack on all.

Kuwait has faced attacks from Iran and its factions in Iraq over the past six months, as well as thwarted terrorist plots linked to Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The country has also dealt with domestic security threats, recently foiling a terrorist plot against a critical facility and arresting a Kuwaiti ISIS-affiliated citizen, before any harmful action could transpire.

Domestically, Kuwait intercepted nearly $500 million worth of Captagon, a popular party drug, in the largest drug seizure in its history. The country also faces the challenge of curbing the trade in Captagon. In February, Kuwait's authorities seized over 300,000 Captagon pills in a joint operation with Iraq.