KUWAIT CITY, Feb 20, (Agencies): His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has extended his deepest condolences to the families of Major Sergeant Ahmad Farhan Harat and Sergeant Musaad Dhahi Saleh, Kuwait Army personnel who lost their lives during a live-fire training exercise on Wednesday. He also wished a swift recovery for the two injured personnel. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Ahmad Al-Sabah sent similar messages, expressing their sympathies to the bereaved families and support for the wounded soldiers. Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah, along with senior Ministry of Defense officials, mourned the fallen soldiers, emphasizing their sacrifice in the line of duty.

The Army’s Chief of the General Staff also extended condolences and confirmed that an official investigation into the incident is underway. Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi joined in offering condolences to the leadership and people of Kuwait, affirming solidarity with the nation and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. In response to the tragic accident, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday the formation of a Kuwaiti-US technical team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ‘Desert Observer’ military exercise incident. The decision follows directives from Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah, reflecting ongoing military cooperation and a shared commitment to safety standards in joint training exercises.

The minister visited the accident site in Al-Adarea and later checked on the injured soldiers at Al-Jahra Hospital, where he received updates on their conditions and wished them a full recovery. Meanwhile, Kuwait laid to rest Major Sergeant Ahmad Farhan Harat and Sergeant Musaad Dhahi Saleh at the Sulaibikhat Martyrs’ Cemetery in a solemn military funeral on Thursday. Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah, senior military officials, grieving families, and citizens gathered to honor the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers. Attendees expressed their prayers for the martyrs and support for their injured colleagues, highlighting the nation’s deep respect for those who serve in uniform.