Liberation Day echoes in the conscience of every Kuwaiti

• The people of Kuwait had demonstrated extraordinary loyalty and sacrifice, rejecting the blatant aggression and standing firmly behind their legitimate leadership, led by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, may God bless his soul, in defense of their country’s sovereignty and freedom.

• Kuwait’s wise leadership made tremendous efforts to secure the country’s liberation, spearheading international support to uphold nation’s rightful cause in global forums, expel the occupying forces, and restore national freedom.

Every February 26, Kuwaitis honor the sacrifices of heroes, the wounded, and martyrs who defended their country during the Iraqi invasion, ensuring its freedom and pride. Their unity remains a lasting chapter in history, Al Rai newspaper reported.

The impact of this memory remains deeply engraved in the conscience of Kuwaitis, serving as a reminder of the invasion on August 2, 1990, when aggressors violated their country’s sovereignty in an attempt to overthrow its legitimacy, disregarding all international norms and laws. This ordeal left significant repercussions regionally, across the Arab world, and globally.

On this day in 1991, Kuwaitis remember the righteous martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure their country remained free and independent. They also honor the sisterly and friendly nations that participated in the liberation war, whose great sacrifices cemented the bonds of brotherhood and friendship between Kuwait and its allies.

During this crisis, the people of Kuwait demonstrated extraordinary loyalty and sacrifice, rejecting the blatant aggression and standing firmly behind their legitimate leadership, led by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, may God bless his soul, in defense of their country’s sovereignty and freedom.

At the time, Kuwait’s wise leadership made tremendous efforts to secure the country’s liberation, spearheading international support to uphold Kuwait’s rightful cause in global forums, expel the occupying forces, and restore national freedom.

Immortal words of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad

Kuwaitis also recall the immortal words of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, delivered at the United Nations, when he addressed the world, saying: “I have come today carrying the message of a people who loved peace, worked for it, and extended a helping hand to all who deserved it. A people who sought goodness and reconciliation among those in conflict, whose security and stability were threatened by turmoil. We believe in a noble message, as commanded by our Islamic faith, urged by covenants and treaties, and bound by moral duty.”

A beacon of peaceful coexistence and brotherhood

He added, “I bring you a message from a people whose land was once a beacon of peaceful coexistence and brotherhood among nations, a home that welcomed those seeking a decent life and work. Today, they are either displaced, clinging to hope, or imprisoned and fighting—sacrificing blood and soul, refusing to surrender to occupation, no matter how violent or brutal.”

This unwavering spirit sparked a global rally behind Kuwait’s just cause, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries responding immediately, driven by fraternal ties and a shared destiny. They led the initial political and diplomatic efforts to reject the aggression, demand the unconditional withdrawal of the invaders, and mobilize international support.

The GCC’s efforts led to an emergency Arab summit in Cairo on August 10, 1990, following two crucial meetings of Arab foreign ministers and Organization of Islamic Conference ministers on August 3 and 4, respectively.

Additionally, the GCC and its allies played a pivotal role in securing a series of UN Security Council resolutions, beginning on August 3, 1990, which condemned the invasion and demanded an immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

On November 29, 1990, the Security Council issued Resolution 678, authorizing all necessary measures to enforce previous resolutions and restore international peace and security in the region. Subsequent resolutions were passed to address the aftermath of the aggression.

Sisterly and friendly nations played a key role in Kuwait’s liberation

Sisterly and friendly nations played a vital role in Kuwait’s liberation, leveraging their political and diplomatic influence while providing military and material support. Their efforts led to Kuwait’s freedom in February 1991 and continued with demands for the full implementation of UN resolutions to remove the lingering effects of the occupation.

On this anniversary, we also honor the late father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah, may God bless his soul, who stood at the forefront of the liberation efforts and fought tirelessly to defend Kuwait’s rights.

Mobilizing Arab and international diplomatic support

The late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, may God bless his soul, played a pivotal role in mobilizing Arab and international diplomatic support to uphold Kuwaiti legitimacy. His vast diplomatic experience helped Kuwait garner global sympathy, ultimately leading to the expulsion of the invaders and the country’s liberation.

Kuwaitis remember with deep gratitude the role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, who, from the very first day of the invasion, opened his country to Kuwaiti leadership and its people, providing both material and military support. They also honor the unwavering support of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders, who extended all forms of assistance, hosted displaced Kuwaitis, and firmly rejected the blatant aggression.

Kuwaitis also recall the steadfast stance of the late U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who pledged unwavering support for Kuwait’s sovereignty and vowed to restore its freedom and independence. Within hours of the Iraqi invasion, his administration called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, which led to the adoption of Resolution 660, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

Kuwait’s return to freedom and dignity

American and coalition support continued until January 21, 1991, when President Bush successfully convinced the U.S. Senate to authorize military action to liberate Kuwait. This decision marked the beginning of the Gulf War, culminating in Kuwait’s return to freedom and dignity.

With the efforts of the international coalition and the strong support of sisterly and friendly nations, Kuwait was liberated on February 26, 1991. The country’s legitimate leadership returned to rebuild, reconstruct, and embark on a path of comprehensive development.