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Iraqi Kurds Vote For Independence In Non-Binding Referendum

More than 90% of voters in Iraqi Kurdistan have opted for independence from Baghdad, the election commission for the region has said.

However, the non-binding vote is unlikely to lead to formal independence and may escalate already heightened tensions in the region.

Iraq, alongside its neighbours, is staunchly opposed to redrawing the map in order to grant Kurdish independence.

Hendrin Mohammed, the head of the electoral commission, announced the official results at a press conference today; the referendum passed with 92.73% support and turnout of more than 72%.

The vote took place across the three Kurdish provinces that currently exist in Iraq, as well as some of the disputed territories unofficially controlled by Kurdish security forces.

Regional airlines have said that they will comply with a Baghdad-ordered ban on flights to the region, scheduled to begin on Friday.

Flagship airlines from Lebanon and Egypt are among the carriers halting flights to Irbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdish region.

The transport minister for the area said on Wednesday its international airports have not violated any laws that would warrant their closure.

Mawlood Bawa Murad told reporters his ministry is ready to negotiate with Baghdad "if they want to implement the law and show that Iraq has one airspace".

The flight ban would affect "one way or another the military aviation that operates from Irbil international airport", which is used for the campaign against the Islamic State group.