Iraq's transport minister dismisses private secretary after flight to Istanbul turned back to Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Transport Minister Wahb al-Husseini dismissed his private secretary after a passenger plane bound for Istanbul returned to Baghdad airport, an official source said. The minister moved to remove the official as part of the review of the circumstances that led to the flight being prevented from completing its journey to Istanbul. The Iraqi passenger aircraft turned back to Baghdad airport while en route to Istanbul. Different accounts have circulated about why the plane was recalled, including reports that a tip concerning a passenger was among the factors cited. The dismissal is being viewed as an initial step in an investigation into the causes of the incident. The official source said the ministry remains committed to the rigorous application of flight safety and passenger security procedures. No further details were immediately available on the inquiry or the specific reasons behind the aircraft's return to Baghdad.