Pompeo in Baghdad on unannounced visit

Baghdad, Jan 9: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a surprise visit to Baghdad on Wednesday to meet Iraqi leaders as a part of an extensive tour of the Middle East in a bid to reassure its allies of Washington’s commitment to the region, Iraqi state television reported. Pompeo’s trip came after US President Donald Trump announced in December a pullout of the US troops from Syria, a move that led to the resignation of his Defence Secretary James Mattis. Al-Iraqiya channel said Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbusi welcomed Pompeo in Baghdad and the US official was expected to meet Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and other top officials. (IANS)

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