KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and top army and national guard staff attend the closing of the ‘Al-Bairaq 7’ military drill yesterday. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

KUWAIT: Kuwait Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Al-Khuder has pardoned servicemen sanctioned for disciplinary offenses in a gesture of goodwill to mark the country's forthcoming Independence Day and Liberation Day, the defense ministry announced yesterday.

The decision was made as per instructions from First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to allow the soldiers the chance to celebrate the National Days with their families, the ministry's directorate of moral guidance and public relations said in a press statement. Furthermore, Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah congratulated the military personnel on the national holidays, praying to Allah Almighty to bring back such joyous occasions with grace and blessings on everyone.

He also prayed to Allah Almighty to perpetuate safety, security, and prosperity on the country under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Supreme Commander of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Meanwhile, Kuwait's National Guard also announced that it has pardoned officers held for disciplinary offenses in a gesture of goodwill to mark the national holidays The decision was made as per instructions from the chief of the National Guard His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and his deputy Sheikh Mishal Al-Sabah, to allow the soldiers the chance to celebrate the joyous occasion with their families, read a statement by the military force. Kuwait is celebrating its 57th Independence Day, 27th Liberation Day and the 12th anniversary of His Highness the Amir's ascendancy. - KUNA