Iraq extends condolences after Air India plane crash kills over 200

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday offered condolences to India and other countries affected by the crash of an Air India plane that killed more than 200 people shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.

In a statement, the ministry said it “extends its sincerest condolences and sympathy to the Republic of India and to the families of the victims of the tragic incident that occurred Thursday morning.”

The statement also expressed sorrow over the deaths of foreign nationals on board. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims from the United Kingdom, the Portuguese Republic, and Canada,” it said.

Iraq reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected nations, declaring “the full solidarity of the Republic of Iraq with the governments and peoples of the friendly nations affected by this great tragedy,” and offered prayers for the victims, asking that “God may have mercy on the victims and grant patience and solace to their families.”

Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff. Authorities said more than 200 people were killed, including passengers and residents on the ground. The passenger list included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.