Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah passes away at 86

The announcement was made on Kuwaiti state television, interrupting regular programming to convey the sad news.

"With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn... the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait,” the statement read.

Sheikh Nawaf had been hospitalized in November due to an emergency health problem, according to the official KUNA news agency. Despite initial concerns, he was reported to be in stable condition after treatment.

Following Sheikh Nawaf's demise, Kuwait's crown prince, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was appointed as the new emir.

"Kuwait's cabinet names crown prince, his highness Sheikh Meshal... emir of the state of Kuwait,” state television reported. (ILKHA)