U.S. Air Force Transfers Northern Airspace To Iraqi Authorities

The U.S. Air Force has turned over the airspace in northern Iraq to the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority, reports the Air Force News Service.

The transfer involves the Kirkuk sector -- the northern third of Iraq from 15,000 feet (4,600 m) and above.

Before the Sept. 1 transfer, the Iraqi government had previously controlled airspace above 24,000 feet (7,300 m), according to Air Force officials.

The rest of Iraqi airspace above 15,000 feet is scheduled to be handed back to...