Fugitive Caught in Saudi-Kuwaiti Operation, Extradited to Kuwait

A fugitive who fled from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia is in custody after he was arrested in a coordinated operation between the two Gulf countries.

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday that the convict was handed over to authorities at the Salmi border crossing after close security coordination and information sharing.

The convict will complete the remainder of his prison sentence in Kuwait, the ministry said, without disclosing further details about the case or the charges.

The ministry expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities, particularly Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud, for their “swift response and fruitful co-operation” in arresting and extraditing the man.

The operation reflects the “deep-rooted security partnership” between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the ministry said.

Kuwaiti authorities also announced the formation of a special investigation committee to determine how the convict managed to leave the country and identify anyone who assisted him.

The ministry added that legal measures will be taken against those found responsible and that the “law would be applied to everyone without exception” – including those attempting to evade justice.

Security measures have intensified across the Gulf in recent weeks. Regional countries have stepped up action against alleged Iran-linked operatives, with new sanctions, arrests, and terrorism designations announced in the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

بالتعاون والتنسيق الأمني مع المملكة العربية السعودية الشقيقة

ضبط متهم هارب لاستكمال مدة محكوميته واستلامه في منفذ السالمي

في إطار التعاون الأمني المشترك والتنسيق المستمر بين دولة الكويت والمملكة العربية السعودية الشقيقة، تمكنت الجهات الأمنية المختصة من ضبط أحد المتهمين الهاربين… pic.twitter.com/jOlz0bkS0Z

— وزارة الداخلية (@Moi_kuw) May 12, 2026

On Tuesday, authorities in Kuwait said they had arrested four people affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who attempted to infiltrate the Gulf state by sea, state news agency Kuna reported.

Bahrain, meanwhile, has sentenced three people to life in prison for conspiring with and spying for the IRGC, as Manama continues a sweeping crackdown following Iranian attacks.