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Countries reopen airspace after temporary closure following Iran's strike on Israel

Flightradar24 over the Middle East on April 14, 2024 after Iran launched drone strikes towards Israel. (Photo: Flightradar24)

By Mary Wambui | 14 Apr 2024

In separate statements issued by their state televisions Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq said they reopened their airspace on Sunday morning citing reduced risks following a halt of the attack.

At least five countries have reopened their airspace after temporarily closing them for hours following Iran's drone and missile attacks against Israel on Saturday night.

The closure was aimed at mitigating regional risks and ensuring the safety of passengers and aircraft.

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Reuters reported that in separate statements, the state televisions of Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq said they reopened their airspace on Sunday morning citing reduced risks following a halt of the attack.

Others including Israel and Egypt have since announced the resumption of normal flight schedules following hours of tension and uncertainty.

During the attack, Iran launched a wave of missiles and drones towards Israel potentially setting up a direct military confrontation between the two countries.

Out of panic, a number of countries neighbouring Iraq and Israel shut their air space.

An anti-missile system operates over Israel early Sunday following the drone attacks by Iran, (Photo: Amir Cohen/Reuters)

Jordan's Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission said its airspace will be closed starting at 11 p.m. local time.

"The closure will last for several hours and will be updated and reviewed according to developments.to ensure the safety and security of civil aviation in Jordanian airspace, in light of the escalating risks in the region and after evaluating the risks according to globally accepted standards," Jordan had said earlier.

"Self-defense"

Hours later, the attack ended with an announcement by Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN that the onslaught was "conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense."

"Iran's military action was in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US must stay away!" Iran said.

Saudi Arabia called on the two countries to spare the region the dangers of war.

A United Nations security meeting has been called to address the escalating tensions between the two nations.

"I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities. Neither the region nor the world can afford another war," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.