Kuwait marks the 36th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion: Unity alone is the strongest weapon in confronting the treacherous aggression
May Al-Sukari - As dawn broke on August 2, Kuwaitis and the world at large recalled the memories of a deep wound and the treacherous invasion, referring to the brutal Iraqi aggression that occurred 36 years ago. This was not merely a military attack, but a humanitarian catastrophe unprecedented in the region, marking the beginning of a national ordeal that left an unforgettable scar on hearts and inflicted a devastating impact on national, Arab, and international memory.
This year’s anniversary of the Iraqi invasion serves as a reminder to the world of the sacrifices made by Kuwaitis, their epic resilience, solidarity, and unity around their leadership. At the same time, Kuwait continues to stand firm against the evil Iranian aggression, with its armed forces skillfully and bravely countering waves of missiles and drones targeting vital civilian and military infrastructure since February 28 of last year.
The tragedy of the Iraqi invasion witnessed the steadfastness, cohesion, and sacrifices of Kuwaiti sons during the occupation, which represented a blatant violation of international legitimacy and all humanitarian and diplomatic covenants. The memory of that black day in the country’s history remains vivid in the hearts of Kuwaitis who endured the bitterness of the invasion, just as it remains alive in the hearts of the new generation who did not live through that period but experience its events through the memories of their fathers and forefathers.
Members of this generation of Kuwaitis feel mixed emotions regarding the memory of the brutal Iraqi invasion: feelings of sorrow and pain as the story of occupation and destruction begins for them, mixed with joy, pride, and honor as the winds of liberation blow and tyranny is defeated at the end of the narrative. Kuwaitis have always believed that a nation is measured not by its size, but by the value of its people and their faith. They hold that unity of ranks, loyalty to wise leadership, and trust in the justice of the cause are the true weapons against injustice and tyranny.
In the early hours of the morning on August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces invaded Kuwaiti territory in a treacherous aggression aimed at forcibly occupying the country, stripping it of its freedom, and attempting to eliminate legitimacy within it. They employed the most heinous methods of killing, arresting, and torturing civilians, bombing civilian and military sites, looting property, and terrorizing the innocent.
Despite the severity of the event, the Kuwaiti people proved to the world that love for the homeland cannot be defeated, and that faith in legitimacy and national unity is stronger than any oppressive force. The homeland cannot be erased, and the voice of Kuwaitis did not fade; rather, it echoed everywhere, demanding justice and calling upon the world to aid the land of peace.
Unity and Cohesion
The most beautiful examples of sacrifice and heroism were evident in the resistance against the occupation and the people’s steadfast support behind their legitimate leadership. The light of Kuwaiti resistance emerged, delivering painful blows to the invading forces, instilling fear and panic among their ranks, boosting the morale of the Kuwaiti people, protecting them, and sending a message to the outside world that the Kuwaiti people reject the Iraqi occupation, resist its presence in Kuwait, and fight for their freedom and sovereignty at any cost.
Kuwaitis, both leadership and people, displayed unparalleled courage, proving that love for the homeland is measured not by words, but by actions and sacrifices through the battle of patience and steadfastness. They wrote bright pages in the history of the nation. Kuwaiti citizens sought to form special military factions and groups to resist the occupier and inflict maximum damage upon them. At the same time, other groups undertook important tasks such as media, nutrition, hygiene, health, and logistical and popular support.
History does not forget the important and active role of Kuwaiti women in confronting the Iraqi occupier. Kuwaiti women recorded a historic epic in defending the soil of the homeland, participating in all forms of resistance, delivering supplies and weapons to resistance fighters, and even taking part in military operations and capturing enemy soldiers, leading up to the liberation of the country.
The wise leadership of the country at that time made tremendous efforts to mobilize Arab and international support to stand with Kuwait’s just cause, in addition to taking measures necessary to liberate the country, restore its sovereignty, and return security and stability to its lands.
