Kuwait kicks off month of 50/20 festivities at Qaruh Island

Photo By Mark Matthews | Kuwaiti divers proudly wave the Kuwaiti flag and a photo of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah The fiftheenth Amir of the State of Kuwait, Jan. 24, during a reenactment of events which took place 20 years earlier. Qaruh Island was the first piece of land liberated by Kuwait and U.S. Forces and was the first action of Operation Desert Storm. The reenactment of Qaruh Island kicks off a month of festivities, culminating in a parade which will mark 50 years of Kuwait’s independence and 20 years of Kuwait’s liberation from Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces, Feb 26.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

01.24.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Mark Matthews 

U.S. Army Central   

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – A platoon of Kuwaiti Marines scanned their sectors of fire as they moved through the thick green and yellow smoke and inched closer to the center of the small desert island. One of the Marines charged forward with the national colors of Kuwait proudly furled. Two of his brothers in arms, to his left and right stayed close, providing security until the moment they reached the point where they planted the Kuwaiti flag, symbolizing the liberation of this small but vital piece of land.

This was the scene during a re-enactment of events of the liberation of Kuwait’s Qaruh Island, Jan. 24. The liberation which took place 20 years earlier was the first piece of land taken back by Kuwait and U.S. forces during Operation Desert Storm. It kicks off a month of festivities marking 50 years of Kuwait’s independence and 20 years of Kuwait’s liberation from Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces.

“We have a long term commitment to this region. For the past 20 years we have proven that it is a commitment of deeds and not just words,” said Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, Third Army commanding general. “The events over the course of the next few weeks will further illustrate that our partnership is strong, committed to peace, prosperity and our mutual interests.”

Brig. Gen. Gregory J. Touhill, who serves as the Kuwait Senior Defense official and defense attaché of the United States of America for the Office of Military Cooperation – Kuwait, echoed Webster’s statement of commitment to Kuwait, and expressed the significance of the joint Kuwait - U.S. effort to liberate the island.

“Together, Kuwait and United States Forces went to the island, expelled the Iraqi invaders and retook the Kuwaiti territory,” said Brig. Gen. Gregory J. Touhill.

The re-enactment on Qaruh Island, which is roughly 275 meters long by 175 meters at its widest, was bustling with journalists and television crews including a live broadcast throughout Kuwait.

“I think today is a very important lesson for everybody – in particular, Kuwaitis today,” said Lt. Col. Abdullah-Dashti, who was one of the first Kuwaitis to arrive on the island after its liberation in 1991. “We need to give this land to the next generation—
safe, secure and prosperous.”

After the flag was placed in its rightful home at the center of the island and the smoke cleared, onlookers directed their attention towards the coast where numerous Kuwait flags were posted in the water just off the coast. Kuwaiti divers then emerged from the crystal blue waters and raised a portrait of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who is also celebrating the fifth anniversary of his ascendance to power throughout the month of February.

“The liberation of Kuwait is a good lesson for the world,” said Lt. Col. Abdullah-Dashti. “The coalition works together for national interests and mutual interests. I think that is very important. I want to thank the Gulf Cooperation Council, the coalition led by the United States, the United Kingdom, France and others. I would like to also thank everyone who participated in the liberation of Kuwait.”

The liberation deepened a strong bilateral relationship between Kuwait and the United States that has endured over the past twenty years, and both sides have reaped the benefits of cooperation, teamwork and global security.

“[Over the past 20 years] our relationship with Kuwait has become stronger on multiple levels: culturally, militarily, politically and industrially,” said Touhill. “Our economies are tied together. Our people share common values, and as a result of the interaction between Kuwait and the United States we’ve become even stronger together.”

Although two decades have passed since the liberation of Kuwait, the Kuwaiti people continue to express appreciation for the sacrifices the U.S. has made in regards to the security of the region.

“I thank the people of the United States for their support of us and how they helped us take back our lands,” said Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, sister of the Amir. “I’m very sorry for the people who have lost their lives for this country. My best wishes for their families and a very long life for the American people.”

Touhill stressed the importance of the upcoming events in February and the relationship between Kuwait and the U.S.

“It is important the United States and Kuwait periodically celebrate the common bonds that we’ve enjoyed for so many years,” said Touhill. The United States stood with Kuwait 20 years ago, today we stand with Kuwait still, and that sends a signal to the American people and the Kuwaiti people of the unbreakable bonds between our countries.”

• Date Taken: 01.24.2011
• Date Posted: 01.26.2011 10:04
• Story ID: 64252
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW