Kuwait

1 – History of the conflict in Kuwait

On the 2^nd of August 1990, Kuwait was invaded by Iraq, an event which led to the Gulf War which lasted the six weeks between the 17^th January to the 28^th February, 1991.

Kuwait faced a myriad of naval and aerial bombardments including heavy bombing of their capital, Kuwait City.  Much of the conflict occurred within Kuwait City and the areas surrounding the Iraq-Kuwait border, primarily transpiring on land.

2 – Landmines and UXO within Kuwait

As a result of the Gulf War large areas remain contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Despite efforts to clear the explosive threat over the years vast areas remain contaminated.

Further conflict occurred during the United States of America’s invasion of Iraq in 2003, during which troops from varying nations were situated in Kuwait

Below are some examples of ERW that have been found within Kuwait since 1991:

• Artillery munitions
• Anti-tank & anti-personnel mines
• Missiles
• Hand grenades
• Rocket propelled grenades
• Cluster munitions
• Mortars
• Air-dropped bombs

There are still land mines in Kuwait, particularly along sand corridors. However, the exact location of the landmines present in Kuwait is still unknown.  Kuwait’s shifting, sandy landscape further complicates the survey and clearance process since items can shift location and depth.

3 – The ongoing impact of explosive ordnance in Kuwait today

Over three decades later, these remnants of war still pose a significant threat to Kuwait’s well-being.  Between 1990 and 2017, there were 1,486 casualties from mines and ERW.  Kuwait reportedly has the highest number of mines per square kilometre globally.  

The risks of UXO and landmines severely limit the oil industry, infrastructure development, housing, travel, and overall livelihoods within Kuwait.

4 – SafeLane Global supporting Kuwait with survey, clearance and consultancy

For over 20 years, SafeLane Global has been actively promoting a safer Kuwait, offering safe and efficient area survey and clearance.  After years of operating within the country, SafeLane advocates the Kuwait National Development Plan.

Al Mutlaa, a part of Kuwait’s National Development Plan and their 2035 vision, is the largest housing project in Kuwait, aiming to house 170,000 residents over 42km² of land in 28,288 houses. 

Unfortunately, this land was contaminated by  UXO.  SafeLane has assisted by conducting extensive UXO surveys and clearance operations which began in March of 2019 and continued even during the global pandemic. The project was successfully completed in January 2021.

SafeLane used a combination of techniques and technologies such as push-cart magnetometer systems to identify sub-surface explosive hazards.

Demand for housing is high in Kuwait and is constantly rising.  SafeLane is proud to clear land to aid the development of Kuwait and to support the livelihood of its people.

SafeLane Global has worked in the Burgan Oil Field which was a battleground in the 1^st Gulf War, like many other Kuwaiti oil fields. The Burgan Oil Field contained a vast amount of UXO despite numerous clearance efforts over the last 25 years by various organisations.

Over the years SafeLane have supported the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and successfully carried out  Mine Sweeping and Battle Area Clearance ahead of Seismic Surveys.

5 – Kuwait and SafeLane Global today

SafeLane continues to assist the Kuwaiti government whenever possible, providing solutions for handing over risk-free land, clear of contaminants to the people of Kuwait.  By providing our services, Kuwait can continue development and regeneration of their land and communities.

For more information about SafeLane Global’s projects in Kuwait, please read the case studies below.

To enquire about how we can support your project in Kuwait or any other nation globally, please contact the team at SafeLane for a rapid and comprehensive response.

Frequently Asked Questions