KUWAIT CITY, Jan 12: Kuwait said on Monday that it had taken all necessary steps, including the military arrangements, to protect its sovereignty, stability and security in case the United States attacked Iraq.

Kuwait Defence Minister Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak said in a press statement here on Monday that the situation in the region was volatile, but added that Kuwait was ready to safeguard its sovereignty.

He said the necessary military arrangement had been made to assure country’s security.

The minister also refuted the Iraqi allegations that US forces had been carrying out military manoeuvres inside the demilitarized zone in Iraq.

As the crucial UN deadline draws nearer and US troops pour into Kuwait, mock drills, including chemical warfare, has become the norm.