Security fears close Baghdad Airport

Baghdad International Airport has been closed for two days for security reasons, the Iraqi Transportation Ministry said.

Ahmed Abdul-Wahab, ministry spokesman, said the closure was “to avoid any violence during the commemoration of the 40th and final day of mourning for Imam Hussein”.

Millions of Shiite Muslims have assembled in the holy city of Karbala to mark the end of the symbolic mourning period for Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

Authorities have closed the airport in the past citing the need for security.