US issues warning after citizen stabbed in Kuwait

An American man has been stabbed and wounded in Kuwait and the assailant arrested, the US embassy said, urging nationals to remain alert to the threat of attack by "extremists".

"The embassy informs US citizens that a US citizen was stabbed on Thursday morning, 10 March, in Fintas," a coastal town south of Kuwait City, a statement on its website said.

"His injuries are not life-threatening. The man who assaulted him is in police custody."

The embassy did not identify the victim and gave no information about the nationality or motive of his suspected attacker.

"The embassy is not aware of specific, credible threats against US citizens. Nonetheless, US citizens residing in or visiting Kuwait should remain vigilant regarding their personal security," the statement said.

"Extremists may attack in groups or alone, in planned actions or attacking targets of opportunity."

Kuwait, which neighbours both Iraq and Saudi Arabia, hosts several large US military bases.

In June last year, a suicide bomber killed 26 worshippers at a Shia mosque in an attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group.

Sunni Muslims make up around two-thirds of the Gulf emirate's population, while Shia Muslims account for the other third.