No need for panic buying
The Directorate General of Civil Air Travel (DGCA) has verified the activation of its emergency situation strategy in coordination with the concerned authorities due to the political developments in the area and the subsequent closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria. DGCA representative Abdullah Al-Rajhi revealed that the strategy is being executed in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, Kuwait Fire Force (KFF), the Ministry of Health, airlines and other relevant entities. Al-Rajhi stated they are focusing on securing incoming, outgoing, and transit flights, indicating that all flights to the affected nations were suspended due to the closure of airspace over these nations. He revealed that some flights have been diverted to alternative airports until safe navigation routes are secured, specifying that Kuwait International Airport caters to numerous rerouted flights, and short-lived accommodation has been attended to their travelers until alternative flights can be arranged through safe routes. The DGCA had earlier announced the diversion, cancellation, and rescheduling of some flights at Kuwait International Airport due to the current situation in the region. In an associated advancement, Kuwait Airways announced that it had chosen to cancel a number of flights set up for Saturday to ensure the security of guests due to the existing circumstance in the region. In a press declaration, the airline specified that the cancelled flights include flight number KU563 from Kuwait to Amman, flight number KU564 from Amman to Kuwait, flight number KU503 from Kuwait to Beirut, and flight number KU504 from Beirut to Kuwait. The airline explained that the cancellation decision was taken after examining the security scenario according to the flight travel plan, and in coordination with the DGCA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It worried that it will continue to study the circumstance in the impacted destinations and announce updates later on, adding that travelers will be called to reschedule their travel bookings according to the contact info provided in their appointments. It then thanked everybody for their understanding and cooperation. In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed the abundance and stability of the tactical stock of items, food and consumer products in the nation, worrying that there is no cause for concern relating to the accessibility of basic commodities. In a press statement, the ministry divulged that this stability is the result of prior coordination with government agencies within the structure of the accepted national emergency plan to guarantee sustainable food security. The ministry suggested that it is continuing to keep an eye on the efforts of the cooperative sector, in coordination with the Union of Cooperative Societies, to guarantee the smooth flow of supply chains and price stability in the local market. It stressed the importance of the role of cooperative societies in enhancing market stability and customer self-confidence. It repeated its call to people and expatriates not to be swayed by reports and to rely only on info provided by official sources. It affirmed that the relevant authorities continue to work around the clock to ensure food security and the undisturbed arrangement of goods. Minister of Social, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah worried that the cooperative sector, in coordination with the federal government agencies, is keeping track of the accessibility of products in local markets. She stated the tactical stockpile is stable and that items are offered to satisfy customer needs without any barriers. In a declaration to Kuwait News Firm (KUNA), Al-Huwailah exposed the ministry, Public Authority for Handicapped Affairs (PADA), and the Supreme Council for Household Affairs have taken regulative procedures in various sectors to guarantee the efficiency and connection of services, in light of the local advancements. She mentioned that the appropriate authorities are monitoring their technical and operational works in a collaborated manner, such as guaranteeing the schedule of technical and administrative services and the stability of systems according to the authorized work systems and a functional strategy that guarantees the quality of services. She affirmed that the specialized work groups are continuing their jobs as per the timetable; thereby, attaining the greatest level of institutional readiness to provide services without interruption. The Ministry of Commerce and Market confirmed that the food stock and supply of fundamental products are assuring, and that food is offered in sufficient quantities to satisfy customer needs; noting that supply chains are operating normally and without any disturbance. Director of the Commercial Control Department at the ministry Faisal Al- Ansari notified KUNA that the emergency groups of the ministry checked out a variety of private business warehouses to examine the stock levels and make sure the smooth fl ow of supply. He specified this relocation belongs to the tactical food security plan submitted by the Council of Ministers, which the ministry is accountable for executing and continuous tracking. He added the ministry continuously coordinates with the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies and Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company; particularly in times of crisis or seasonal increase in demand, with the aim of finding possible services that make sure market stability and avoid consumers from being impacted by prospective shortages of basic commodities. “We are dealing with the worried authorities to closely monitor the food stock situation, and strive to secure the consumer needs of people and migrants by ensuring the continuous availability of basic commodities in local markets,” he concluded. Chairman of the Union of Customer Cooperative Societies Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi affirmed that the tactical stock of basic products in cooperative societies is enough; therefore, fulfilling the customers’ requirements. He clarified in a press declaration that this availability is not the outcome of an emergency situation, as it is rather the outcome of coordination and prior preparation with the relevant federal government agencies, in line with the national emergency plan, which is targeted at ensuring sustainable food security at all times. He included that the union is operating in accordance with the regulations of the Council of Ministers and Al- Huwailah who worried the value of readiness and protecting basic products in cooperative societies across the country. He mentioned that the union continues to coordinate with suppliers and regulative authorities to determine the smooth fl ow of supply and cost stability, and to take proactive measures that keep market balance and fulfill the needs of people and migrants without disturbance. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research study stated it is closely keeping track of local advancements through everyday coordination with the relevant authorities; and that it remains dedicated to taking all the necessary steps to guarantee the security of trainees and members of the teaching and administrative personnel in different instructional institutions. In a press declaration, the ministry revealed that Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Nader Al-Jalal has advised the relevant authorities to activate emergency strategies and raise readiness levels in all areas. It highlighted the value of close field tracking of developments to guarantee the safety of the scholastic community and the connection of the academic procedure. It included that the emergency situation teams in instructional and research study institutions are completely prepared and operating in coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure immediate intervention and take the necessary precautionary steps according to the advancements. It reassured the students and moms and dads that the summer term will begin on Sunday according to the authorized study plans, and that all instructional authorities are ready and totally alert to ensure a safe and routine educational environment. Additionally, the United States Embassy in Kuwait validated that “US forces are not involved in the Israeli military operations against Iran.” In a declaration on the X platform Saturday, the embassy said “we are keeping an eye on report on the Israeli strike against Iran, and there is no change in the embassy’s position at this time.” The embassy formerly issued a security alert calling for severe caution in the area. It mentioned that “due to increased regional stress, the Department of State advises US people to exercise extreme caution. Historically, similar stress have led to take a trip disruptions and increased security concerns for United States citizens in the region.” It recommended United States citizens to register in the Smart Tourist Enrollment Program (STEP) to get details and informs, facilitate their area in an emergency situation abroad, prepare an emergency plan, and evaluate the traveler’s list. On Friday, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired the meeting of Supreme Defense Council at Bayan Palace. The Council is following up with latest local developments and called for unifying efforts and preparations in between worried state bodies as part of authorized emergency situation plans. Kuwait has highly condemned the Israeli occupation’s aggression versus the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday, describing it as an outright breach of all global laws, an offense of Iranian sovereignty, and a danger to regional security. Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a declaration repeating Kuwait’s contact the worldwide neighborhood and the United Nation’s Security Council to meet their obligations in putting an end to such infractions, to secure the security and stability of the region. Israel’s defense minister cautioned Saturday that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues firing rockets, as the two nations traded blows a day after Israel introduced a blistering surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, eliminating numerous top generals. Israel’s armed force stated the strikes also eliminated 9 senior scientists and specialists associated with Iran’s nuclear program. Iran’s U.N. ambassador stated 78 individuals were killed and more than 320 wounded. Iran retaliated by releasing waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, where explosions lit the night skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and shook structures. The Israeli military urged civilians, already rattled by 20 months of war in Gaza triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, to head to shelter for hours. Health officials said three people were eliminated and lots wounded. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated Iran will pay a heavy price for harming Israeli residents. “If (Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front – Tehran will burn,” Katz stated. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Friday that his objective was to remove any Iranian risk to Israel, however he likewise urged Iranians to rise versus their leaders. Israel would invite the federal government’s topple even if it is not actively seeking it. By Fares Ghaleb, Abulrahman Al-Shammari and Mohammad Al-Enezi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Personnel and Agencies
