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Iraq Suspends Northern Flights Due To Russian Air Campaign


Iraq is suspending flights to the northern Kurdish self-ruled region for two days due to Russia's air campaign in neighboring Syria.

Iraq's Civil Aviation Authorities said the flight suspension -- starting November 23 -- to the cities of Irbil and Sulaymaniyah was to "protect travelers" as cruise missiles and bombers cross northern Iraq from the Caspian Sea to Syria. It said other airports will operate normally.

Russia began air strikes in Syria on September 30 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces.

Last month, its warships in the Caspian Sea fired cruise missiles nearly 1,500 kilometers over Iran and Iraq.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP

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