Flydubai Jet Hit by Gunfire as It Lands in Baghdad
Source: New York Times
By KAREEM FAHIMJAN 27, 2015
BAGHDAD A commercial jet carrying 154 passengers from Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, was struck by gunfire as it landed at Baghdad International Airport on Monday, adding to fears that Iraqs airports are increasingly vulnerable to militant attacks.
At least one passenger, a girl, was lightly injured, according to airport officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. A spokesman for the airline, Flydubai, however, denied that there were any injuries.
The airline said that damage consistent with small-arms fire was discovered on the fuselage of one of its 737-800s after it landed at 1:50 p.m. The airline, a budget carrier based in the United Arab Emirates, canceled flights to and from Baghdad on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a spokesman.
Continue reading the main story
Related Coverage
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq, center, was joined at a news conference in London by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond of Britain, left, and Secretary of State John Kerry.
Citing Plunge in Oil Prices, Iraq Seeks Arms on Credit to Fight ISISJAN. 22, 2015
Sunni women waited for information about family members at Baghdads main judicial complex. Promises of judicial reforms in Iraq have gone largely unfulfilled.
Sunnis in Iraq Are Kept Waiting for Reforms, and Word on Loved Ones JAN. 17, 2015
American troops and equipment have begun arriving at Al Asad Air Base in Anbar Province. American commanders say their goal is to train 5,000 Iraqi recruits every six weeks.
U.S. Troops, Back in Iraq, Train a Force to Fight ISISDEC. 31, 2014
There have been growing worries for the safety of air traffic in Iraq, especially at Baghdads airport, the countrys primary transportation hub, as Islamic State militants have advanced in areas around the city and amid mounting evidence the militants possess sophisticated antiaircraft weapons....
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/28/world/middleeast/flydubai-jet-hit-by-gunfire-as-it-lands-at-baghdad-airport.html?_r=1
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/28/world/middleeast/flydubai-jet-hit-by-gunfire-as-it-lands-at-baghdad-airport.html?_r=1