Security Measures in Place for Ashura Celebrations in Kuwait

As the country prepares for the sacred occasion of Ashura, Kuwait has taken significant measures to ensure the safety and comfort of its citizens and residents. According to reports, approximately 5,000 troops have been deployed to secure and cover 110 Husseiniyas across the country. The Husseiniya councils, which commenced on Sunday evening, have been marked by notable safety, reassurance, and organization, with citizens and residents gathering for the religious rituals.

The security forces, comprising personnel from the Ministry of Interior, including female police officers, have been working in tandem with the Husseiniya councils to provide a secure environment for the events. The cooperation between the two parties has been highlighted by the distribution of patrols at the entrances and exits of the Husseiniya parking lots and the deployment of security personnel around the sites. Volunteers at the Husseiniya councils have also been assisting in searching for attendees.

The security personnel have a detailed schedule of all the Husseiniyas, including their numbers and the timings of rituals. They arrive an hour before the events to secure and sweep the sites, then distribute themselves around the area until all attendees have left. Their efforts are directed by the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry, Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf.

The country has 110 Husseiniyas, primarily located in the governorates of the capital, Hawalli, and Mubarak Al-Kabeer, followed by Ahmadi and Jahra. The police force is on high alert, with all members of the Interior Ministry from various sectors deployed throughout Muharram. The troops have been tasked with ensuring the safety and comfort of citizens and residents during their religious observances.

Key security sectors participating in the efforts include traffic, rescue, public security, criminal investigations, and special forces. An operations room at the ministry building, staffed by representatives from all relevant security and governmental sectors, operates during the Husseiniyas’ working hours, issuing orders and assessing the security situation, especially at high-density locations.

The owners and attendees of the Husseiniyas have been praised for their cooperation, adhering to the security plan from prior meetings, which has greatly contributed to the successful conduct of the rituals. Several citizens have expressed their appreciation for the security personnel’s efforts, noting that the first day of Ashura proceeded without issues, despite the hot weather. They highlighted their pride in the vigilant security forces, especially in aiding the elderly and people with special needs.

Firefighting personnel have also been present at the sites to ensure safety requirements, checking entrances, exits, and cooking equipment within the Husseiniyas. The owners have cooperated by removing potential fire hazards. Firefighting teams are stationed at 14 high-density locations, equipped with necessary gear for any emergencies.

Overall, the security measures in place have ensured a safe and comfortable environment for citizens and residents to practice their religious rituals, with the cooperation of all parties involved.

Historical Context:

Ashura is a significant religious holiday in Shia Islam, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the 7th century. It is observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram and is considered a day of mourning and remembrance for the Imam’s sacrifice. The holiday is marked by processions, rituals, and mourning ceremonies, which can sometimes be marred by violence and unrest. In recent years, Kuwait has taken steps to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and residents during Ashura celebrations, deploying security forces and implementing measures to prevent any potential disruptions.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Kuwait has deployed approximately 5,000 troops to secure and cover 110 Husseiniyas across the country for Ashura celebrations. • The security forces, including female police officers, have been working in tandem with Husseiniya councils to provide a secure environment for the events. • Volunteers at the Husseiniya councils have been assisting in searching for attendees and security personnel have a detailed schedule of all the Husseiniyas, including their numbers and timings of rituals. • The country has 110 Husseiniyas, primarily located in the governorates of the capital, Hawalli, and Mubarak Al-Kabeer, followed by Ahmadi and Jahra. • Key security sectors participating in the efforts include traffic, rescue, public security, criminal investigations, and special forces. • An operations room at the ministry building operates during the Husseiniyas’ working hours, issuing orders and assessing the security situation, especially at high-density locations. • The owners and attendees of the Husseiniyas have been praised for their cooperation, adhering to the security plan from prior meetings, which has greatly contributed to the successful conduct of the rituals. • Firefighting personnel have been present at the sites to ensure safety requirements, checking entrances, exits, and cooking equipment within the Husseiniyas. • The owners have cooperated by removing potential fire hazards, and firefighting teams are stationed at 14 high-density locations, equipped with necessary gear for any emergencies. • The security measures in place have ensured a safe and comfortable environment for citizens and residents to practice their religious rituals, with the cooperation of all parties involved.