Absence of Iraqi naval patrols in Khor Abdullah enables Kuwaiti boat harassment, local source says

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait — A local source in Iraq's fishing community has attributed repeated incidents of Kuwaiti boats harassing Iraqi fishermen largely to the absence of regular Iraqi naval patrols in Khor Abdullah, the narrow stretch of disputed waterway between the two countries. The source, a fisherman previously detained on several occasions, said the Iraqi navy limits its presence to checkpoints at port entrances and certain roads, and has not deployed boats to monitor Khor Abdullah. He noted that the Kuwaiti navy operates modern, technologically advanced vessels, and argued that an active Iraqi maritime force on the water would deter such incidents. Khor Abdullah forms the narrowest section of the contested waterway between Kuwait and Iraq and has long been the site of fishing and border violation claims by both sides. The source also said small boats in the area are stopped by Kuwaiti coast guard vessels and subjected to penalties. According to the source, Iraqi navy boats are kept waiting at checkpoint stations near port exits and have no visible presence in open or coastal waters. Local fishermen say the lack of routine patrols has made violations easier and leaves them without protection when incidents occur.