Operations at Sanaa International Airport have resumed normal activities following a series of strikes launched by Israel, the Houthi group said on Friday.
The Houthis added that the airport is now technically capable of receiving civilian flights, UN aircraft, and humanitarian aid deliveries around the clock.
The Israeli warplanes on Thursday hit Houthi-used infrastructures in the Sanaa International Airport, and the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, both located in Houthi-controlled areas, as well as the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib on the western coast, the military said in a statement, claiming that Houthis used those sites to smuggle Iranian weapons into the region and for the entry of senior Iranian officials.
"Today we resumed flight departures and landings at Sanaa International Airport as planned. The first flight will take off at 10:00," said Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works Yahya Al-Sayani.
The group also criticized the recent Israeli airstrikes, which damaged the control tower and multiple equipment at the airport.
"At 16:00 on Thursday, Israel, with U.S. support, launched a direct attack on the airport. At that time, a plane had just landed, while an international flight and a United Nations flight were preparing for takeoff. The control tower, terminal and navigation equipment were the specific targets of the Israeli attacks," said the deputy minister.
The charging officials from the airport said that Sanaa International Airport has been hit by airstrikes multiple times. The management team has experience in responding to such incidents and has developed contingency plans to ensure the continuity of airport operations.
"There were many passengers in the airport lounge. The airport has developed backup plans for both equipment and buildings, ensuring we have worst-case response measures in place. Even if the terminal is damaged, we can continue to operate flights and maintain the airport's operational capabilities," said Khaled Al-Shayef, General Manager of Sanaa International Airport.
Sanaa airport restores operation after Israeli strikes: Houthis
Sanaa airport restores operation after Israeli strikes: Houthis
Sanaa airport restores operation after Israeli strikes: Houthis
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
