CNN: US defense secretary makes unannounced trip to Iraq
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said US troops are “ready to remain in Iraq” in his remarks during an unannounced trip to Baghdad on Tuesday, according to the US press pool traveling with him.
Austin, the highest-ranking Cabinet official to visit the country since the start of the Biden administration, according to the press pool, said in a statement that he is in Iraq to “reaffirm the US-Iraq strategic partnership as we move toward a more secure, stable and sovereign Iraq.”
The visit comes days before the 20th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein from power.
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WNU Editor: It looks like US soldiers are going to stay in Iraq for the foreseeable future.... Pentagon chief, on surprise trip, says US troops to stay in Iraq (Al Jazeera).
Update: The U.S. Defense Secretary has just arrived in Egypt .... US defense chief: Egypt ties an 'essential pillar' in region (AP).
U.S. Defense Secretary Makes A Surprise Visit To Iraq
Pentagon chief, in unannounced visit to Iraq, pledges continued U.S. troop presence -- Reuters
Pentagon chief in Iraq says US wants to 'strengthen' ties -- AFP
Austin makes surprise trip to Baghdad -- Politico
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes unannounced visit to Iraq -- FOX News
US defense chief Austin in Iraq before 20th war anniversary -- DW
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin talks troop presence in surprise Iraq visit -- Al-Monitor