GCC Approves Advanced Military Headquarters in Kuwait

The Gulf Cooperation Council has approved an advanced headquarters for its Unified Military Command in Kuwait and plans to deploy appropriate military forces there, Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi said after a meeting of the bloc’s defence ministers in Bahrain.

The announcement followed the 23rd meeting of the GCC Joint Defence Council, attended by defence ministers from the six member states. The decision establishes a new military centre, but the council has not announced its location within Kuwait, staffing, force composition or timetable for becoming operational.

The GCC General Secretariat said the move reflects leaders’ emphasis on strengthening defence coordination to address current and future challenges. Al-Budaiwi said joint military action receives attention and support from the leaders of member countries. The announcement did not specify how the Kuwait headquarters will fit into the command’s existing structure.

The Unified Military Command was established at a GCC summit in Kuwait in December 2013. Its stated purpose is to coordinate joint military operations and strengthen collective defence, including protection of member states’ territory, airspace, waters and...