US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says

April 14, 2026

American-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has worked for major outlets including the BBC and New York Times, disappeared into custody in Kuwait on March 2nd after posting verified footage of a downed US fighter jet and related imagery. Kuwaiti authorities have reportedly charged him with spreading false information and harming national security, accusations the Committee to Protect Journalists characterizes as overly broad tools used to suppress independent reporting. The detention occurs amid a broader crackdown in Kuwait and other Gulf states, where hundreds have been arrested for sharing content about Iranian attacks during the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.

Who is affected

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin (detained American-Kuwaiti journalist)
Kuwaiti civilians (three killed in Iranian attacks)
Kuwaiti soldiers and border guards (two soldiers and two border guards killed)
US service members (six killed in Kuwait)
US pilots (three fighter jets shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses)
Hundreds of people detained in Kuwait and other Gulf Arab states for sharing war-related footage
Independent journalists operating in Kuwait

What action is being taken

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin is being detained and facing charges
Kuwaiti authorities are closely monitoring and firmly dealing with individuals spreading information
Individuals accused of violating media regulations are being referred to prosecutors
The Committee to Protect Journalists is calling for Shihab-Eldin's immediate and unconditional release

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between press freedom and national security during wartime, as Kuwait uses broad legislation to control information narratives about military operations and attacks on its territory. The detention demonstrates how governments can leverage vague national security laws to suppress journalism and restrict public access to verified information, setting a concerning precedent for independent reporting in conflict zones. The broader crackdown affecting hundreds of people signals a systematic effort to control war-related information sharing across Gulf states.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC