Iraq buys new US-made spy planes

Iraq's Defense Ministry says it has received new U.S.-built reconnaissance planes.

Defense Minister Abdul-Qadir al-Obeidi says the King Air planes were received a few days ago.

He says "these planes have been bought with Iraqi money" but he did not disclose the value of the purchase. The planes already have been flown over Baghdad by trained Iraqi pilots.

Sunday's statement adds the planes are equipped with advanced aerial video technology enabling them to cover wide areas and send live feed to ground control centers.

Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari says the first delivery was six planes and six others are expected to arrive soon. He spoke to The Associated Press on Monday.