Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed Saudi Arabia’s deep solidarity with Kuwait following the tragic loss of Kuwaiti army personnel during a military exercise.

In an official statement, the Kingdom extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased, as well as to the government and people of Kuwait, wishing a swift recovery for those injured.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that it has formed a joint Kuwaiti-US technical team to investigate the fatal accident that occurred during the "Desert Observer" military exercise on Wednesday.

The move was ordered by Kuwait’s Minister of Defense, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah, as part of efforts to uphold safety standards in military training.

In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to cooperation and partnership with the US in ensuring the highest safety protocols in joint exercises.

Earlier, Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff mourned the deaths of First Sergeant Ahmad Farhan and Assistant Sergeant Dhahi Al-Shammari, who lost their lives in a night live-fire exercise, while two other personnel sustained injuries.

A military funeral service was held on Thursday at Sulaibikhat Cemetery, attended by Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah, Undersecretary of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshal Al-Sabah, and Deputy Chief of General Staff Air Vice Marshal Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with senior military officials and security personnel.

"Kuwait’s land has embraced two martyrs who sacrificed their lives with sincerity and honor in the line of duty," the Minister of Defense said. "Their loss is a great sorrow for all of us, but the Kuwaiti army will always remember their service and sacrifices."

He emphasized the critical role of military personnel in safeguarding the nation, urging the armed forces to remain committed to their duties. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of General Staff expressed pride in the fallen soldiers, praying for their families and offering condolences.

Specialized technical teams, in coordination with US military officials, have been deployed to investigate the cause of the incident, with authorities stressing the importance of adhering to strict safety measures in military exercises.