Iraqi authorities announced on Saturday the closure of the country's airspace following Israeli strikes against Iran.
The announcement was made by the Iraqi Transportation Ministry, said Maetham al-Safi, the ministry's spokesperson.
The spokesperson added that the closure was preceded by the clearing of all aircraft from Iraqi skies to ensure safety during escalating regional tensions.
Iraqi airspace has long been regarded as a "natural corridor" for Israel to strike Iran. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has repeatedly reaffirmed to the United States and the international community that he firmly opposes using Iraqi territory or airspace as a springboard to launch strikes against neighboring countries, including Iran.
A witness said on local social media that on Feb 28 morning, a formation of suspected cruise missiles and drones sped across the airspace in central and northern Iraq.
Over the past 48 hours, several Shiite militias in Iraq, such as the Kataib Hezbollah, have issued stern warnings. They made it clear that if the United States uses military bases in Iraq to support attacks on Iran, they will directly strike U.S. troops in Erbil in the Kurdish semi-autonomous region in northern Iraq.
A source from the Iraqi government department said that Iraq is currently conducting emergency mediation, attempting to restrain militias from conducting their strikes against the U.S. side.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Shiite militia group, issued a statement on Saturday evening, saying it launched 16 attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and its surrounding areas with dozens of drones.
Iraq closes airspace amid Israeli strikes on Iran
