Surprise visit of the US Secretary of Defense to Iraq

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said they continue to support the Baghdad administration in cracking down on the ISIS terrorist organization in Iraq.

Austin held a press conference in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, where he made a surprise visit.
Stating that the coalition forces formed against ISIS are determined to take down the terrorist organization by working with the Iraqi government, Austin said: “We are focused on taking down ISIS completely. Military efforts alone cannot guarantee the end of ISIS. “Any attack on the US presence in Iraq could also disrupt the fight against ISIS,” he said.

The US Secretary of Defense also emphasized the strategic partnership in the message he shared on his Twitter account regarding his visit to Baghdad. “I’m here to re-emphasize the strategic cooperation between the United States and Iraq,” Austin said. Towards a more secure, stable and sovereign Iraq.

US Defense Secretary Austin met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad, according to the Iraqi prime minister’s office. During the meeting, the relations between the two countries and the fight of the Iraqi forces against ISIS were discussed.

Sudani expressed that they attach importance to strengthening relations with the US in all fields, saying that Iraq is in favor of establishing balanced relations with the countries of the region and the world. Stating that they support Iraq’s security and stability during the meeting, Austin noted that they want to continue cooperation with Iraq in various fields. (AA)