Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior Cracks Down on Misinformation, Urges Public to Report Incidents

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning against the spread of misleading information or attempts to create panic among the public. Colonel Faisal Sand Obaidullah, Director of the Public Relations and Security Media Department, emphasized that the ministry will take strict action against individuals who circulate false or inaccurate content related to the current situation.

Colonel Obaidullah stressed that Kuwait’s military and security personnel are united in protecting the country, describing them as a “wall that safeguards the homeland.” He 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 at the northern borders.

The ministry has activated its media and security response plans to counter rumors, with the General Department of Security Relations and Media issuing several awareness statements warning the public against circulating false news. The General Directorate for Combating Cybercrimes is closely monitoring online platforms, and several individuals have already been identified and apprehended for sharing misleading content.

In one case, a minor traffic accident on King Fahd Road was falsely circulated on social media as footage of a missile or falling shrapnel. The ministry urged the public to rely only on official government sources for accurate information and avoid sharing unverified content from 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 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 and instead report any incidents directly to the emergency hotline (112).

As part of the security plan, the ministry has deployed patrols from rescue, traffic, and public security sectors more extensively in residential areas and on major roads. Security forces have also been stationed at vital locations such as hospitals, cooperative societies, and public facilities as a precautionary measure.

The public was urged to stay away from locations where shrapnel or unidentified objects have fallen, as they 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.

Source: Times of Kuwait