Kuwaiti leader Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed dies aged 86

Kuwait's leader Sheikh Emir Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has died at the age of 86, Kuwaiti state TV announced.

The sheikh had led the oil-rich nation for the last three years after taking over from his half brother, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah.

"With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn... the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah" a statement aired on state TV said.

Sheikh Nawaf was named crown prince in 2006 and took over as emir in 2020.

He had previously served as defence minister and interior minister.