Kuwait arrests suspected Iraqi spy

At least 16,000 US troops have been deployed in Kuwait

A Kuwaiti soldier has been arrested on suspicion of spying for the Iraqi Government, the authorities in Kuwait said on Friday.

Mohammed Hamad al-Juwayed, a 40-year-old sergeant in the National Guards, has been accused of handing over documents to Iraq and aiding "acts of terrorism" in Kuwait.

The announcement comes on the 12th anniversary of the Gulf war

A statement from the Interior Ministry said Mr Juwayed "provided security and military information to the Iraqis and spied on movements of senior Kuwaiti officials with the intent of facilitating terrorist and sabotage operations".

The arrest coincides with the 12th anniversary of the Gulf War - when the United States led an international coalition to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

It also comes as US-led forces continue their military build-up in the region, in a show of force against the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

'Intensive investigation'

The Interior Ministry statement accused Mr Juwayed of providing Iraqi agents with plans and important information.

The arrest was the "fruit of intensive investigation and minute observation carried out over a long period of time," the ministry said.

"The perpetrator of this crime will receive the punishment he deserves, after he has been brought before the courts in accordance with the laws in force."

A ministry official told the Associated Press news agency that Mr Juwayed had confessed to spying for Iraq in return for money.