GCC states approve unified military command headquarters in Kuwait

he decision was approved during the 23rd GCC Joint Defence Council session held in Bahrain's capital Manama.

Manama: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Tuesday, November 10, approved the establishment of an advanced command centre for its Unified Military Command in Kuwait to strengthen joint defence capabilities.

The decision was approved during the 23rd GCC Joint Defence Council session held in Bahrain’s capital city and chaired by Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Defence Affairs.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi said the new command will be assigned appropriate forces to enhance coordination, readiness and joint military action.

Al Budaiwi emphasised that GCC leaders view member states’ armed forces as collectively responsible for maintaining regional stability, preserving national sovereignty and enhancing readiness against current and emerging threats.

He also cited directives from GCC leaders during their summit in Jeddah last April, which urged stronger joint military cooperation and enhanced capacity towards shared security threats.

Al Budaiwai addressed the recent regional developments, condemning Iranian attacks against GCC countries. He said the response to such attacks reflected Gulf solidarity and reinforced the principle that security in the region was a shared responsibility.

Al Budaiwi also condemned Houthi-claimed strikes against Saudi Arabia, including attacks targeting holy Islamic sites, and strongly denounced strikes on GCC member states that hit civilian areas and critical infrastructure.

“GCC’s joint military action reflects their awareness of the responsibility of the armed forces in the GCC states to secure their safety and stability, safeguard their independence, and develop and advance them to keep pace with the hopes and aspirations placed upon them,” Al Budaiwi said.

He reaffirmed that the GCC stands united behind Saudi Arabia, endorsing all steps to protect its security, territory, and holy sites under the collective principle that the Kingdom’s security is integral to the entire bloc.