UPDATE - US defense secretary arrives in Baghdad on unannounced visit

UPDATES WITH DETAILS

By Abdul-Jabbar Aburas

​​​​​​​BAGHDAD (AA) – US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Tuesday on an unannounced visit.

"I’m here, to reaffirm the US-Iraq strategic partnership as we move toward a more secure, stable, and sovereign Iraq," the Pentagon chief tweeted.

According to US media, the visit aims to show that Washington is committed to maintaining its military presence in Iraq.

In statements upon arrival, Austin said that US troops were "ready to remain" in Iraq at Baghdad's invitation in a non-combat role against the Daesh/ISIS terrorist group.

"These forces are operating in a non-combat advise, assist and enable role to support the Iraqi-led fight against terrorism," he said.

"This is a critical mission and we are proud to support our Iraqi partners but we must be able to operate safely and securely to continue this vital work,” he added.

Earlier Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani discussed with Austin bilateral cooperation between Baghdad and Washington.

A statement by al-Sudani’s office said the Iraqi premier reaffirmed his government's keenness to strengthen and consolidate relations with the US at various levels.

On Sunday, Austin arrived in Jordan on the first leg of a regional tour that also includes Israel and Egypt.

*Writing by Mahmoud Baraka and Ahmed Asmar in Ankara