On June 26, ISIS’s Saudi Arabia-based branch, known as
Wilayat Najd, claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing against a
Shiite mosque during Friday
prayers in central Kuwait City’s Sawabir area. Reports indicated that
at least 24 people were killed and dozens injured in the attack. Initial
reports also state that the suicide bomber is a Saudi national.
This is Wilayat Najd’s third suicide attack in two months.
In May, two Shiite mosques were targeted in separate attacks, also
during Friday prayers and also by Saudi nationals.
Context and Analysis
According to ISIS’s map of the “Caliphate” released in
2014, the “Hijaz” encompasses the majority of Saudi Arabia, as well as
Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and part of Oman. However, while these may
be self-declared boundaries, real borders separate these countries.
Wilayat Najd’s claim, therefore, demonstrates the group’s ability to
conduct attacks and recruit members in other countries that fall under
its self-declared purview.
In this context, even if the suicide attacker recently
traveled from Saudi Arabia, he would still require assistance in Kuwait.
Moving between countries by such an individual would be difficult
enough, particularly given the capabilities and reach of the Saudi
intelligence forces, but carrying explosives across borders would be
exponentially more problematic. This points to an increased likelihood
that a Kuwait-based cell operates as part of the broader Wilayat Najd.
It also suggests the concerning possibility that similar groups exist or
could exist in Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, and even Oman.
Wilayat Najd’s own perception of its borders thus makes
joint security operations and intelligence sharing among the six Gulf
Cooperation Council nations even more imperative. A meeting of relevant
officials regarding efforts to improve and increase security cooperation
should be expected. Kuwait is likely to follow in Saudi Arabia’s
footsteps by heightening security at sensitive locations, including
Shiite mosques, and conducting arrest operations for ISIS sympathizers.
Under the existing circumstances the remaining GCC states may also
follow suit with these or similar preemptive measures.
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