Anniversary of the Invasion... When the Homeland Prevailed

Since the establishment of the State of Kuwait and its accession to the United Nations, the country has followed a consistent path, unchanged under the leadership of its successive rulers who bore the trust of the nation, safeguarded its independence, and guided its progress with wisdom and foresight, especially during the darkest times and most severe crises, when the country required sound judgment, rational thinking, and steadfastness.

Kuwait, both its leadership and its people, adhered to a righteous approach derived from the teachings of our noble Islamic faith and the example of our Prophet, peace be upon him. This earned Kuwait the respect and esteem of the international community and its peoples, due to its firm belief in the values of peace, its commitment to consolidating security and stability, its provision of assistance to those affected and afflicted, its promotion of human cooperation, and its participation in all endeavors that benefit humanity.

This national wisdom was epitomized during the reign of the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, may God have mercy on him, the 13th Ruler of the State of Kuwait. He faced the tragedy of the brutal Iraqi invasion in 1990 with wise leadership. The Kuwaiti government relocated to the city of Taif in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where it managed state affairs, rallied Arab and international support, and delivered a historic address to the United Nations outlining the justice of the Kuwaiti cause. This garnered widespread global endorsement for Kuwait, leading to its liberation. The late Amir then returned to his homeland in March 1991 to lead the reconstruction phase and rebuild what the war had destroyed.

By his side was the hero of liberation, then Crown Prince, the late Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, may God have mercy on him, who later became the 14th Ruler of Kuwait. He played a pivotal role in preserving the continuity of the state’s constitutional legitimacy. He insisted on the Amir’s relocation to Saudi Arabia to maintain the legitimacy of the rule, presided over the Kuwaiti government in Taif, and managed the affairs of citizens both domestically and abroad. He also led the Jeddah Popular Conference in October 1990, which embodied national unity and affirmed the Kuwaiti people’s rallying around their legitimate leadership. After liberation, he returned directly to Kuwait as a de facto ruler, assuming responsibility for restoring security, reestablishing basic services, overseeing reconstruction, and extinguishing the oil wells set ablaze by the occupier.

Undoubtedly, these timeless historical stances by Kuwait’s rulers will remain a source of pride, respect, and love in the hearts of Kuwaitis. They were an extension of the steadfast stance of the noble Kuwaiti people, who proved to the world that love for the homeland is a deeply rooted creed, and that the land and soil of Kuwait are priceless.

The Kuwaiti people wrote the most magnificent examples of resilience during the brutal Iraqi invasion launched by the defunct Iraqi regime against a secure and peaceful Arab state. This was manifested in a resolute popular rejection of the occupation, adherence to constitutional legitimacy, and the translation of this stance into heroic national resistance. This included forming cells of armed resistance to defend the homeland and protect citizens, hiding resistance fighters and military personnel, and destroying civil records to prevent the occupier from pursuing Kuwaitis.

Kuwaiti employees also demonstrated an honorable national stance by refusing to cooperate with the civil administration imposed by the occupier. They abstained from returning to work, affirming their rejection of recognizing any illegitimate authority.

Social solidarity among the Kuwaiti people also stood out. Everyone stood as one united front, sharing food and medicine, providing basic necessities, and contributing to the continued operation of cooperative societies, bakeries, and public services. This rare national phenomenon embodied the meaning of a single Kuwaiti family.

Abroad, Kuwaiti political and societal forces, during the Jeddah Popular Conference, affirmed their complete adherence to constitutional legitimacy and the honorable Al-Sabah family. This united the people and leadership in a single national stance that proved Kuwait is greater than any trial.

The days of the invasion were among the most difficult the country has ever endured. They remain etched in the memory of those who lived through them and will be passed down to future generations to illustrate the magnitude of sacrifices made to keep the homeland free and dignified.

Each year, we commemorate the anniversary of August 2, 1990, that sorrowful dawn when Kuwaitis awoke to the sounds of tanks and aircraft, the roar of armored vehicles, and the shouts of occupier soldiers who knew only the language of weapons. History has confirmed that the will of free peoples is stronger than the power of armies, and that the unity of Kuwaitis and their rallying around their legitimate leadership was the true weapon that broke the occupier’s resolve.

The bitterness of occupation, killings, torture, displacement, humiliation, the pain of loss, and betrayal by neighbors could not weaken the resolve of Kuwaitis or deter them from sacrificing the precious and dear for their homeland.

The noble Kuwaiti people rose up against the brutal Saddamist invasion, rejecting humiliation, land seizure, and the deprivation of rights. They proved to the world that Kuwait, no matter how severe the trials, emerges from them stronger, more resilient, and more united. It remains impervious to anyone who dares to threaten its security and sovereignty.

Kuwait, God willing, will remain an impregnable fortress and a message to every aspirant or aggressor: this land is not easily taken, and anyone who attacks it will reap only disappointment and defeat. The will of its people, the justice of its cause, and the unity of its leadership and people have been and will remain the source of its strength.

We ask God Almighty to perpetuate upon Kuwait the blessings of security, safety, stability, and tranquility; to protect it from all harm; to grant its people success in defending and safeguarding it; to have mercy on its righteous martyrs and reward them with the best recompense. They are the symbol of its honor and dignity, and their sacrifices will remain a guiding light for future generations.

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