Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Airport) has suspended flights to the Iraqi cities of Najaf, Sulaymaniyah, and Basrah until further notice.

The ban came into effect on Monday, October 17, and coincides with the Iraqi government's decision to attempt to retake the city of Mosul from IS using military action.

The carrier has, however, decided to continue with its double-daily return services to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.