KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Tuesday highlighted the need of maintaining a high degree of preparedness at all security and military facilities, including the border outlets. Military preparedness is key to protecting the security of the country against the risks of drug smuggling which poses a grave threat to the society, he said in a statement from the Ministry of Interior after an inspection tour of military and security sites in the northern region. During his trip, Sheikh Talal Khaled conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince to the military and security personnel. He urged the leaders of the defense and interior ministries to maintain close cooperation, praising the dedication of the military and security personnel in preserving the security of the country, according to the statement. Sheikh Talal Khaled inspected the 26th Al-Sour Mechanized Division where he was welcomed by Commander of the Ground Force Maj-Gen. Staff Mohammad Al-Thafeiri and Commander of Al-Sour Division Brig Staff Jaber Al-Hajeri and other senior officers. At Al-Abdali Border Crossing, he was warmly received by Director of the outlet Brig Abdulaziz Al-Husseini and several security officers.