Sion Huw Davies still has friends in Kuwait

Thousands of troops are based in Kuwait - a small, oil-rich country nestling at the top of the Gulf and flanked by Iraq to the north.

Sion Huw Davies from Caerwys, Flintshire fled the country after the British Embassy appealed for nationals to leave.

The 32-year-old has been teaching local children at the English Academy in Kuwait City for the past five years.

There are a lot of children in school who have got fathers and uncles who were taken to Baghdad during the last occupation 12 years ago and have never returned Sion Huw Davies

The school has been forced to close following the departure of the majority of British staff.

"I was always going to stay in Kuwait, I've always said there is no problem and no danger and I still feel that way," he said.

"However, in the end the advice from the Embassy to leave immediately just couldn't be ignored.

"Some people have stayed there and I think they're quite safe but the stress levels did go up and it was time to get out.

Kuwait neighbours Iraq

"Funnily enough, I'm not worried for the kids' safety, you feel guilty leaving them because you don't know what's going to happen but I don't think Kuwait will be affected.

"I'm quite lucky to be able to get from there.

"A lot of the lads from north Wales who are military based in Kuwait haven't got that option, they can't just walk out."

The university graduate, who flew into Manchester Airport on Wednesday, said Iraqi troops invaded the region during the last conflict 12 years ago and people are worried it will happen again.

Invasion

"Kuwait city is about half an hour from Iraq in the car, it's next door, it's like going from Flintshire to Liverpool," he said.

"Because Iraq invaded their country 12 years ago the people of Kuwait are quite worried.

"Although with all the troops on the border they do know that's not going to happen this time.

"There are a lot of children in school who have got fathers and uncles who were taken to Baghdad during the last occupation 12 years ago and have never returned.

"They are so glad that finally someone is going to sort out the evil tyrant who is Mr Hussein.

"He is enemy number one, the Kuwait people have no ill feeling to the people of Iraq at all, it's just that one man.

"They know that he is capable of anything and they're fully aware that he could throw anything their way.

"I think it's time for Mr Hussein to be held accountable for all the atrocities against his own people and to his neighbours."

Mr Davies is planning to fly back to Kuwait in two weeks time for the schools reopening on the 29th March.