MOI warns against rumors, urges public to report incidents through 112

2026-03-08 - 11:36

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has warned that it will take strict action against anyone spreading misleading information or attempting to create panic among the public. Speaking to Kuwait TV, Colonel Faisal Sand Obaidullah, Director of the Public Relations and Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior Kuwait, said the ministry will show no leniency toward individuals who circulate false information or inaccurate content related to the current situation. Colonel Obaidullah emphasized that Kuwait’s military and security personnel stand united in protecting the country, describing them as a “wall that safeguards the homeland.” He stressed that maintaining the nation’s security is a collective responsibility carried out by the Ministry of Interior, the armed forces and other relevant authorities. He also expressed sorrow over the loss of two officers, Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al-Sharrah and Major Fahd Abdulaziz Al-Mujammad, who were killed while performing their duties protecting Kuwait’s northern borders. The two officers died after being struck by missile shrapnel while on duty, he said, adding that their sacrifice reflects the highest levels of loyalty and dedication to the nation. The ministry, he said, activated its media and security response plans from the outset to counter rumors. The General Department of Security Relations and Media has issued several awareness statements warning the public against circulating false news that could spread fear among citizens and residents. Colonel Obaidullah noted that the General Directorate for Combating Cybercrimes is closely monitoring online platforms, stressing that all content published in cyberspace, including news, images and videos, is being tracked. He said authorities have already identified and apprehended several individuals who shared misleading content. In one case, a minor traffic accident on King Fahd Road was filmed and circulated on social media as footage of a missile or falling shrapnel, when in fact it was a routine road accident. The ministry urged the public to rely only on official government sources for accurate information and avoid sharing unverified content circulating on unofficial platforms. Colonel Obaidullah also warned that sharing images or videos related to security operations could pose a risk, as such material might reveal sensitive information about locations or security procedures that could be exploited by hostile parties. He urged citizens and residents to refrain from filming or sharing footage linked to security or military activities. Instead, anyone who witnesses or records an incident is advised to report it directly to authorities through the emergency hotline (112) so it can be addressed according to approved procedures without being circulated on social media. He added that the ministry’s leadership convened an emergency meeting at the outset of the situation, chaired by Fahd Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, during which directives were issued to intensify security measures and enhance field deployment across the country. As part of the security plan, patrols from rescue, traffic and public security sectors have been deployed more extensively in residential areas and on major roads. The ministry is also coordinating closely with civil defense and decision-making operations rooms to ensure a rapid response to any emergency. Colonel Obaidullah noted that security forces are also stationed at vital locations such as hospitals, cooperative societies and public facilities as a precautionary measure to safeguard citizens and residents. He added that the emergency hotline (112) continues to receive security, traffic and humanitarian reports around the clock, including notifications about debris falling in certain areas. Specialized teams are handling these reports according to established procedures and in coordination with relevant authorities. The public was also urged to stay away from locations where shrapnel or unidentified objects have fallen, warning that such debris could be dangerous or potentially explosive. Reporting their locations immediately allows specialized teams to deal with them safely. Colonel Obaidullah concluded by thanking citizens and residents for their cooperation and adherence to official instructions, praising the community’s awareness and role in limiting rumors and preventing the spread of misleading content. He stressed that the Ministry of Interior will continue its awareness campaigns through official platforms and urged the public to obtain information only from verified government sources.