26 Dec 2023 | 10:24 PM UTC
Iraq: Bodies of Kuwaiti citizen and Saudi national found as of Dec. 26 after recent disappearance in Al Anbar Governorate
Officials confirm Dec. 26 that old Islamic State explosive killed Kuwaiti and Saudi nationals who disappeared in Al Anbar Governorate, Iraq.
Iraqi authorities announced on Dec. 26 that they had found the bodies of a Kuwaiti national and a Saudi citizen with Kuwaiti residency who had recently disappeared in Al Anbar Governorate while on a hunting trip. Officials said that the two individuals were killed after their vehicle struck an explosive device left behind by Islamic State (IS) militants in a desert area. Initial reports claimed that the persons in question were abducted by unidentified gunmen in a remote area between Al Anbar and Salah al Din governorates on Dec. 24, after which point Iraqi security forces began a large-scale operation to search for them. Officials did not immediately release any further information regarding the two individuals' disappearance or the blast that reportedly resulted in their deaths. Iraqi and Kuwaiti authorities are coordinating with each other to advance the investigation into the incident.
Similar incidents may occur in remote, desert regions of Iraq over the coming months.
Exercise a high degree of vigilance in Iraq due to the threat of the IS and other militant groups. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly, and consider avoiding off-road travel in remote, desert regions. If operating in the area over the long term, vary routes and times of travel and ensure the use of secure transport. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.
Although a US-backed coalition recaptured the territory that IS militants previously conquered in Iraq and Syria in 2014, numerous explosive devices planted by IS fighters remain in areas that the group used to control. Moreover, some IS militants are still active in Iraq's desert regions and occasionally carry out deadly attacks.
