Kuwait heightens security alert following Saudi Aramco attack panic

“The decision emphasises that all measures have to be taken to protect the vessels and the ports facilities,” it said.

The announcement comes after two Aramco facilities in bordering Saudi Arabia were hit by drones and missiles on September 14, reducing the crude output of the world’s top oil exporter.

After the attack Kuwait promptly took precautions to protect its own territory.

On Wednesday, Kuwait's army said it was raising its readiness levels and carrying out military exercises amid soaring regional tensions after neighbouring Iran was accused of attacking Saudi oil infrastructure.

Kuwait also said it was investigating accounts that a drone intruded into its airspace and flew over the royal palace on Saturday, the same day an assault on two oil facilities knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's oil production.

Read also: Aramco attacks expose Saudi vulnerability and shaky GCC security

"In view of the escalating situation in the country, the General Staff of the Army announces the lifting of the combat readiness of some of its units," it said in a statement posted on Twitter.

It said it was aiming to reach the "highest levels of readiness and combat efficiency" in order to "preserve the security of the country and the safety of its lands, waters and airspace from any potential dangers."

Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi rebels claim to have carried out Saturday's strike, but the United States has blamed Iran, with speculation the assault was launched from Iraq. 

Saudi's defence ministry said on Wednesday that the drones and cruise missiles struck from the north, ruling out Yemen as the source.

Iraq on Sunday denied any link, saying it is "constitutionally committed to preventing any use of its soil to attack its neighbours". 

Kuwait shares land borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia and sea borders with Iran.

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