Bomb disposal units put their lives on the line as they defuse death beneath the rubble

2026-03-27 - 07:12

Since the onset of Iranian aggression against Kuwait on February 28, the nation’s military and security forces have mobilized with unwavering resolve, forming a formidable line of defense against a barrage of ballistic missiles, drones, and hostile aerial threats. Across all sectors, these men have stood as Kuwait’s shield—an unyielding fortress safeguarding the homeland and all who reside within it. Among the most critical yet perilous roles are that undertaken by the Explosives Disposal Unit of the Special Security Sector at the Ministry of Interior, whose personnel operate on the frontlines of invisible danger. Their mission is as precise as it is hazardous: to locate, assess, and neutralize unexploded ordnance, missile debris, and remnants of intercepted aerial threats scattered across urban, strategic, and desert areas. Each operation is a calculated risk, as these specialists confront devices capable of exploding at any moment, often under unpredictable conditions. In an effort to shed light on their efforts, Brigadier General Fawaz Abdullah Al-Sari’, Director of the Explosives Department at the Ministry of Interior, affirmed that Kuwait’s security forces have honored their oath with exceptional courage, placing national duty above all else in the face of sustained aggression. Over the first 26 days of the conflict, the Joint Operations Room recorded more than 500 incident reports, distributed among the Army and the National Guard according to operational jurisdiction. The Directorate-General of Explosives alone responded to over 200 cases involving shrapnel and hazardous remnants across residential areas, critical infrastructure sites, and remote desert locations. Al-Sari’ explained that response teams are deployed within minutes of receiving alerts. Upon arrival, coordination with other authorities ensures that the site is secured before specialists begin the delicate process of neutralization. Advanced technologies — including robotic systems and controlled detonation techniques — are employed to minimize risk. Personnel also don specialized protective suits weighing approximately 40 kilograms, designed to withstand high-impact explosions, underscoring the extreme dangers inherent in their work. Despite the severity of these operations, the department maintains an exceptional safety record. Since its establishment over 45 years ago, no injuries have been recorded among its ranks — a testament to rigorous training, discipline, and accumulated expertise. Selection for such missions is highly selective, with candidates undergoing intensive theoretical and field training before engaging in real operations under strict supervision. The department operates around the clock through seven specialized divisions, ensuring immediate response capability nationwide. Training programs extend over a full year, combining foundational instruction, practical handling of ammunition, and counterterrorism readiness. Kuwait has also played a regional role in advancing this field, hosting joint training initiatives and annual competitions with Gulf Cooperation Council counterparts to enhance collective expertise in explosives disposal. Brigadier Al-Sari’ also highlighted the evolving nature of threats, particularly the increasing use of drones. Security teams have encountered a range of unmanned aerial systems varying in size and speed — from 130 to 500 kilometers per hour — and capable of carrying between 10 to 40 kilograms of explosives. Some are engineered with additional lethal enhancements, such as metal ball fragments to maximize damage upon detonation, while others contain combustible fuel components that intensify blast impact and extend the range of destruction. Beyond current hostilities, Kuwait continues to grapple with a legacy threat dating back to the Iraqi invasion. Decades later, unexploded mines and cluster munitions remain buried beneath desert sands and even within developing residential areas such as Al-Khairan and Al-Mutlaa. Recent discoveries — including six cluster bombs found just days ago — underscore the persistent danger posed by these remnants, which grow increasingly unstable over time. Addressing public safety, Al-Sari’ urged citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution. He stressed the importance of maintaining distance from any suspicious object and immediately reporting it to authorities. Such remnants may contain live warheads, toxic substances, flammable materials, or volatile electronic components, making even minimal contact potentially fatal. In a war where threats often remain unseen until it is too late, Kuwait’s Explosives Disposal Unit operates as the nation’s quiet guardian — defusing danger, one step at a time, and ensuring that life continues amid the shadows of conflict.