Kuwaitis have hoped in vain for an easing of tensions with their northern neighbour

A US-led coalition forced Saddam Hussein's troops out of Kuwait on 25 February 1991 after a massive air bombardment and a short land battle.

Although Kuwait's armed forces believe that the likelihood of an attack by Iraq on the anniversary of the end of the Gulf War is slim, they are on a state of full alert.

Patriot anti-missile missiles have been deployed in Kuwait City, covering the country's main Bayan Palace and the new US embassy, where some of the Gulf War commemorations will be held.

General al-Mu'min told the BBC that over the last 10 years, Kuwaitis had been hoping that tensions with their northern neighbour would ease.

But instead, he said, Iraq was maintaining huge military forces across the common border, with two divisions of troops just 20 minutes drive from Kuwait.

Western forces

However, General al-Mu'min said Kuwaitis felt secure because of the presence of Western forces in the country.

Iraqi forces torched many of Kuwait's oil wells before pulling out of the country

About 4,500 US troops are based in Kuwait, together with squadrons of US and British warplanes that regularly patrol the skies over southern Iraq.

A defence pact between the US and Kuwait, signed following the Gulf War, has been renewed for another 10 years.

The US ambassador to Kuwait, James Lorocco, told the Reuters news agency: "We stand ready to protect Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the whole region from any threats.

"We believe that the security of the Gulf is a vital US national interest."

Former US President George Bush and some of his military commanders will lead the 10th anniversary commemorations.

Mr Bush flew in with former British Prime Minister John Major and some 35 other prominent guests aboard the aircraft of Kuwait's emir.

Pressure on Iraq

Another former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, arrived separately on Saturday.

US General Norman Schwarzkopf, the commander of allied forces in the war, is also attending.

Kuwait is awaiting talks on Washington's future plans for dealing with Iraq when the new US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, arrives on Sunday.

Diplomats said the talks were expected to include plans by the new administration to increase pressure on Iraq and revive efforts to support groups opposed to Saddam Hussein.

Mr Powell served under Mr Bush as chairman of the allied joint chiefs of staff during the war.