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US journalist released from Syria 'overwhelmed with emotion'

A US journalist released earlier this week after almost two years of imprisonment in Syria said he was "overwhelmed with emotion" because of the attention he has received upon returning home.

Peter Theo Curtis, 45, was captured in 2012 by Nusra Front and was only released on Sunday.

He said: "I suddenly remember how good the American people are, and what kindness they have in their hearts."

Meanwhile, Douglas McAuthur McCain, 33, who is suspected of fighting with Islamic State militants operating in Iraq and Syria, has been killed in the Middle East, a US security official has said.

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British Airways to stop flying in Iraq airspace

British Airways will no longer fly over Iraq. Credit: PA

British Airways has decided to stop flying over war-torn Iraq.

The decision came after America's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today issued a Notice to Airmen (Notam) "restricting US operators from flying in the airspace above Iraq due to the hazardous situation created by the armed conflict".

Another UK carrier, Virgin Atlantic Airways, had already stopped flying over Iraq, while other airlines which are bypassing the troubled Middle East country include Air France and Dubai-based Emirates.

BA had been continuing to use Iraqi airspace in recent days while reviewing its position on a daily basis.

BA uses Iraq airspace to reach such destinations as Dubai and Doha in Oman.

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