Kuwait city: Kuwait marks the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Iraqi invasion, an aggressive act aimed at undermining the nation's identity and sovereignty. The invasion led to significant destruction, including the burning of 752 oil wells and the sabotage of infrastructure, as landmines were planted to hinder Kuwait's liberation efforts.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the occupation ended on February 26, 1991, following an international coalition operation under United Nations Security Council mandates. The Kuwaiti leadership, led by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late Amir - then Crown Prince - Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and the late Amir - then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister - Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, played a pivotal role in uniting the nation and garnering global support to restore Kuwait's sovereignty.
Post-liberation, Kuwait has distinguished between the former Iraqi regime and the Iraqi people, providing humanitarian aid to Iraq. In July 2014, Kuwait donated three million US dollars for humanitarian operations in Iraq, followed by a significant USD 200 million contribution in 2015 for relief efforts for internally displaced persons. The food aid comprised more than 50,000 food baskets distributed in the Kurdistan Region and other affected areas.
In 2016, Kuwait pledged USD 176 million in humanitarian aid to Iraq during a donors' conference in Washington, earning commendation from the United Nations Security Council for its efforts to stabilize the region. Kuwait also hosted the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq in 2018, where pledges amounted to approximately USD 30 billion in aid to Baghdad.
Kuwait remains committed to recovering the remains of its martyrs and looted property, while also focusing on peace, regional stability, and fostering strong ties with the Iraqi people.