
Memories of Invasion: Kuwaiti woman recounts painful legacy of 1990
'Graduation is supposed to be a joyful milestone,' Al-Shuaibi told Kuwait Times. 'But for me, it marked the beginning of one of the darkest chapters of my life. I was only 21 when Saddam's forces invaded my beloved Kuwait.' It was the early hours of Thursday, August 2, when Al-Shuaibi was awakened by her mother with trembling urgency - the nation had been invaded and uncertainty gripped the streets. 'I still cannot describe the shock of hearing that news,' she said. 'It was the ultimate betrayal by a neighbor we had supported and trusted. It felt like a dagger to the heart of every Kuwaiti.'
She likened Saddam's invasion to a vile betrayal. 'It was as if a man violated his own brother's wife. That's how deep the treachery ran.' During the seven-month occupation, Al-Shuaibi experienced firsthand the daily struggle for safety and dignity. She recalled being assaulted by an Iraqi soldier and narrowly escaping death while trying to defend her mother from abuse. 'Another time, I was nearly taken simply because I refused to smile at a soldier in the market,' she said.
Photos show the destruction during the Iraqi invasion.
In this file photo taken on March 26, 1991, two Kuwaiti men walk in Ahmadi oil field next to a burning oilwell set ablaze by retreating Iraqi troops. – AFP
kuwaiti Ohoud Al-Shuaibi.
But some of the most haunting memories came from the suffering endured by relatives. One story that continues to weigh heavily on her heart involves her mother's cousin and her three sons. The two eldest — twin brothers and recent top graduates of a military academy were engaged to be married on the same night. When the invasion began, they burned their uniforms and went into hiding.
However, an informant exposed them, and the Iraqi Republican Guard raided their home at dawn. 'They were shot in their beds in front of their entire family,' Al-Shuaibi recounted. Their youngest brother, still in high school, was taken prisoner. 'After liberation, his body was found discarded in the desert. Their mother died of cancer shortly after — grief took her more than the disease ever could.'
Al-Shuaibi's own family also had to take drastic steps to survive. Her mother hid her youngest brother in a rooftop water tank to protect him from Iraqi patrols that were abducting young men from the streets. Her older brother, who held a sensitive post at the Ministry of Interior, went into hiding in her home after being betrayed. 'He gave me a kitchen knife. He told me, 'If they find me, they'll humiliate me by taking you. Don't let them take you — kill yourself first.' That was the terrifying reality we lived,' she recalled.
Today, Al-Shuaibi's message is one of remembrance and resilience. 'How can we forget?' she asked. 'The fires, the destruction, the looting and the bloodshed — they are part of who we are. We must remember not out of pain, but because it is our duty to pass these stories down to future generations. So, we never forget who betrayed us.' Her voice, firm and unwavering, serves as a testament to the strength of Kuwaiti women who endured the trauma of war. For Al-Shuaibi and many others, the invasion was not just a political event — it was a defining scar that shaped their identity, their families and their nation.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Customs Seizes 5.59 Million Illegal Capsules From China
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: The General Administration of Customs announced the seizure of multiple air cargo shipments from the People's Republic of China containing approximately 5.59 million empty capsules suspected of being intended for illegal use. According to a statement, inspectors from the Air Cargo Customs Department flagged suspicious shipments labeled as 'plastic parts' and 'medical items' during routine inspection. Upon examination, the parcels were found to contain empty capsules marked 'Pfizer PGN300,' a label associated with Lyrica, a psychotropic substance regulated under Kuwaiti law and permitted for import only under strict legal frameworks. Customs officials noted a clear discrepancy between the declared contents and the actual items, with accompanying invoices failing to match the seized goods. Following consultation with health specialists from the Air Cargo Health Department, it was confirmed that the capsules were unauthorized and prohibited. A commercial seizure report was filed, and the shipments have been confiscated pending further legal action. Customs authorities reaffirmed their commitment to combating smuggling and fraud, emphasizing ongoing coordination with relevant agencies to protect public health and national safety.


Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
She Installed One App—And Lost Everything From 4 Bank Accounts!
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: A case of bank fraud has been registered at the Jahra Security Directorate and classified as a felony, after an unidentified scammer managed to siphon KD 2,730 from four separate bank accounts belonging to a Kuwaiti citizen. The case has been referred to the Commercial Affairs Prosecution and the Department of Electronic Investigations for further analysis and to trace the culprits behind the cyber theft. According to a security source, the victim, a Kuwaiti woman born in 1968, filed a complaint at the Saad Al-Abdullah Police Station, reporting unexpected deductions across four different banks where she held accounts. The total amount stolen was KD 2,730. The woman told police that she had received a call from an international number. The caller falsely claimed she had an account on a well-known online platform and instructed her to download a mobile application. Shortly afterward, she was shocked to discover that funds had been withdrawn from all her accounts. Authorities are currently investigating how the fraudster gained unauthorized access to her banking credentials. In light of the incident, a security source urged citizens and residents to exercise caution when dealing with unknown callers or messages, especially those requesting the download of unfamiliar apps or the clicking of suspicious links shared via social media or messaging platforms. The source emphasized the importance of public awareness about cybersecurity threats, particularly for families with children. He warned that cybercriminals often exploit malicious applications, fake websites, and online games to infiltrate personal devices and steal sensitive data. Citizens were also advised to install reputable antivirus software, cover webcams after use, and ensure that children comply with age restrictions for social media accounts and online gaming platforms to reduce exposure to cybercrimes, including bullying and identity theft.


Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Rabia Al-Hammadi: The Kuwaiti Woman Redefining Success In Law And Sport
Day by day, Kuwaiti women continue to prove their capability to work across all sectors, demonstrating their competence in every task they are assigned—or boldly choose for themselves. In this feature, Al-Seyassah / Arab Times interviews a remarkable young Kuwaiti woman who serves as an exceptional example: a woman succeeding in not one, but two vastly different fields—law and sport shooting. Rabia Al-Hammadi, a lawyer and competitive shooter, has brilliantly balanced the commanding strike of the gavel with the precision of a rifle shot. Whether in the courtroom or on the shooting range, she hits her mark—delivering justice in one arena and accuracy in the other. She stands as a powerful example of the modern Kuwaiti woman who doesn't just overcome challenges, but turns them into launchpads for boundless creativity and exceptional accomplishment. Here are the highlights of the conversation: • Why did you choose law? What sparked your early interest in it? From a young age, I believed that every individual has a voice—and for those who don't, someone must speak on their behalf. To me, law has never been just a profession; it's a deeply personal calling and an innate conviction that I've honed through education and practice. It's a duty and a purpose long before it is a career. • In your opinion, do younger generations still see law as a mission? Or has it become just another glamorous, high-paying profession? The legal profession is, by nature, noble. It's built on delivering justice and restoring rights. There's indeed a growing interest in the field today, but the difference lies in intention. Those who enter law out of humanitarian motivation discover unmatched depth and fulfillment. But those drawn solely to its glamour may not withstand the weight of its challenges. • Moving from law to sport shooting is quite an unusual leap. How did that begin? My entry into the world of sports was completely unplanned. While working with the testing team at the Kuwait Anti-Doping Agency, I often visited various sports federations. It was during these visits that I first discovered shooting. Intrigued, I enrolled in a refereeing course and earned an international license. Over time, I began competing in both local and international tournaments, and eventually, I was appointed to lead the women's team at the Shooting Federation — marking the true beginning of my journey. • Is the excitement of administrative work different from the excitement of being a player on the field? While the passion may be mutual, the team leader bears the burden of results and must stay attuned to every detail. In fact, there are times when I feel even more excited than the players themselves — because their victories are a testament to the collective effort happening behind the scenes. • How do you view the current state of women's sports in Kuwait? Women's sports in Kuwait are making steady progress, yet they still fall short in terms of media exposure, financial backing, and societal recognition of women's roles in competitive athletics. Today's Kuwaiti women have the skills and determination — what they need now is greater visibility and more opportunities to shine. • How do you balance your legal career with sport shooting? Success begins with organisation. Both law and shooting require sharp mental focus, but each has shaped me in unique ways — law has strengthened my ability to make firm decisions, while shooting has instilled in me a sense of discipline and precision. Together, they create a perfect balance — and I've found a true sense of belonging in both worlds. • Do you feel your legal training helped you manage the shooting team? Absolutely. Law has sharpened my decision-making, strengthened my management skills, and instilled a competitive spirit. These traits were crucial in building a united, successful team and achieving honourable results. • What's your message to young Kuwaiti girls? Don't be afraid of failure—every stumble is a step toward experience and growth. Don't wait for permission. Go where your spirit calls you. Success is not reserved for one gender or another. • Is there a moment in your journey you'll never forget? My first court appearance as a lawyer. I was overwhelmed with fear, but I conquered it. That moment was a turning point—it cemented self-confidence in me. Since that day, I've understood that real achievement is always born from challenge. • And your first case win? An indescribable feeling. Legal victories have a special kind of satisfaction—especially when you see it reflected in your client's eyes. That's when a lawyer truly feels their mission is fulfilled. • What about the feeling of victory on the shooting range? Is it different? A court victory is a triumph of justice. But victory on the range? That's like singing the national anthem—it's a gift to your country. There's a clear difference between personal pride and national pride. Both are meaningful, but each carries its own emotional and patriotic weight. • What do you aspire to achieve in the future? To leave a lasting impact on those around me. Whether through law or sport, I aspire to inspire others and help shape a generation that embraces ambition and faces challenges with courage. • Any final words for Al-Seyassah / Arab Times readers? I'm deeply grateful to Al-Seyassah/Arab Times for giving me this platform. And to every woman reading this, I say: Passion and perseverance can open doors you never imagined. Don't give up on your dreams. Don't let anyone define your limits.