U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter has made an unannounced visit to Iraq, which is fighting Islamic State militants with the help of U.S.-led airstrikes and training.
Carter landed early Thursday in Baghdad, where he will meet with top Iraqi officials including Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi.
The Pentagon chief will also meet with Sunni leaders that the U.S. is trying to recruit in the battle against the Islamic State, which controls parts of northwestern Iraq.
Carter, who is making his first trip to Iraq as defense chief, this week also visited Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
credit: VOA
