Kuwait Times, 18 March 2026: Two new laws designed to protect military interests in Kuwait and combat terrorism have been published in the official gazette with immediate effect.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 47/2026 is on combating terrorism crimes and Kuwait Decree-Law No 13/2026 covers securing and protecting the supreme interests of military entities. The new legislation aims to respond to evolving security threats, which have become organised, complex, and transnational, and now require an integrated legal framework which combines prevention, deterence and protection.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 47/2026 defines ‘terrorist acts’ as offenses targeting individuals, property, public facilities, transportation, or cyberspace, which are aimed at spreading fear, undermining societal security, or influencing authorities.

It distinguishes between a ‘terrorist organisation’, ‘terrorist’, and a ‘state of terrorist danger’, and applies to acts committed inside or outside Kuwait if related to its security or interests. Penalties for these crimes are severe, and include life imprisonment or the death penalty in certain cases. The law criminalises assisting perpetrators, failing to report crimes, and provides for incentives for cooperation with authorities, such as immunity if the crime is reported before execution or if help is provided in identifying an offender.

It also criminalises attacks on vital facilities, diplomatic premises, recruitment, training, or affiliation with terrorist entities, and introduces precautionary measures under judicial supervision through the ‘state of terrorist danger’ concept, which include monitoring and rehabilitation programmes. In addition, the law establishes a National Committee for Combating Terrorism which will set national strategy, coordinate efforts, and ensure compliance with international obligations.

Meanwhile Kuwait Decree-Law No. 13/2026 provides a comprehensive framework to protect military interests, enabling efficient operations by regulating access to military sites, safeguarding classified information, and managing security procedures.

It criminalises unauthorised entry, dissemination of false information affecting military morale, and exploitation of military assets, with penalties of up to life imprisonment for severe violations. The Public Prosecution will have exclusive authority to investigate and prosecute crimes under these laws, strengthening procedural efficiency while balancing security and legal safeguards.

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