MoI rejects reports of Iraqi military moves near border

Plates of violating cars to be removed No jammers in jails

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior yesterday rejected local reports on unusual Iraqi military moves near the Kuwaiti-Iraqi border. Commenting on such news, the ministry’s Undersecretary Maj Gen Abdullah Al-Muhanna was quoted by the ministry’s security information department as saying in a statement that there are no Iraqi military moves, mobilization or deployment on the border. In this context, Muhanna stressed that Kuwaiti border security personnel are doing their duties properly and well aware of their due responsibilities. He urged everyone in the country to observe public interest and national security that should be put above all other considerations.

Later yesterday, the Iraqi defense ministry also denied the reports that military troops were deployed in the south of the country near the borders with Kuwait. “Iraqi security forces have not carried out any movement in the south, and the reports about military formations near the Iraqi-Kuwaiti borders are not true,” a ministry source, who did not want to be named, confirmed to KUNA.

Meanwhile, the ministry’s relations and security media director Brig Adel Ahmed Al-Hashash announced that effective today, Sunday, Oct 30, all vehicles blocking or delaying traffic on various roads would be fined and have their license plates removed for a certain period.

A sticker will also be placed on them, asking drivers to check with relevant departments to pay the fine and recollect the plates after the suspension period is over. Hashash explained that this decision was made to activate article 42 of the traffic law which authorizes the traffic director to withdraw driving licenses and/or registration and license plates for a maximum of four months. Hashash warned that driving a vehicle without license plates is totally banned.

The interior ministry also denied a press report claiming that there are jamming devices with health risks for inmates at the Central Jail. “This (claim) is utterly untrue,” the public relations and security media department said. It added that no prohibited devices that could have adverse health effects have been used. According to the statement, correctional institutions include officers and civilians, men and women, working there, and it is against logic to expose them to any health hazards. It urged the media to verify such news and uphold public interests which are on top of all priorities.