BAGHDAD, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announced on Sunday another 72-hour extension of the country's airspace closure to all arriving, departing, and overflying aircraft, citing ongoing security concerns.
In a statement, the authority said the extension will be effective from 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Sunday until 12:00 p.m. Wednesday.
The decision is a "temporary precautionary measure" based on a continuous assessment of the "security situation and developments in the regional environment," the statement added.
The authority noted that the suspension will be reviewed in accordance with any updates, and all airlines and relevant agencies will be notified.
The extended closure came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East. ■
