KUWAIT: A high ranking security source said there is full coordination between state security and similar departments in Gulf countries to trace terrorists cells or sleeping cells of terrorist organizations, particularly the Islamic State (IS).

He pointed to information exchange which has been highly effective in enabling Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to maintain security control and prevent the expansion of terror activities.

The continued process of monitoring cells include surveillance of those who adopt terrorist ideologies and their sympathizers, the source said. Authorities deport expats every now and then who are proven to sympathize with this ideology and terrorist organizations, while citizens who express similar sympathy are placed under close monitoring, he added.

“The Interior Ministry does not punish innocent people whose relatives commit crimes,” the source meanwhile said, denying reports that three Pakistanis were deported because they are relatives of a man who committed a terrorist act in Saudi Arabia.

The source said that citizens from certain countries, especially from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Iran, Syria and Iraq are allowed in the country at a minimum rate, while state security departments and the rest of GCC countries look closely into the reasons of their visits.

Their visas are not issued by immigration department, but they need approval from high ranking state authorities. — Al-Anbaa