UN to Airlift Aid to Syria from Iraq

First time using this route

U.N. officials say relief agencies will airlift aid to Syria from Iraq for the first time using a new "humanitarian corridor."

Amin Awad, head of the U.N. refugee agency's Middle East and North Africa bureau, says at least seven flights from Irbil, Iraq, are planned this week to reach Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province near Turkey's border.

He told reporters Tuesday the $4-million in airlifts are "extraordinary measures" needed because armed groups control the roads between Iraq and Syria.