Unexpected Visit by US Secretary of State to Iraq
The top U.S. diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, made surprise visits to Iraq and the West Bank as part of his Middle East tour aimed at deescalating tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict outbreak. During his visit to Iraq, he met with Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani to discuss the need to prevent the conflict from spreading, including in Iraq, and the importance of ensuring access to essential assistance for humanitarian needs. Mr. Blinken also urged the Iraqi leader to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on U.S. personnel and protect installations hosting them. The United States will take necessary steps to protect its personnel and facilities against militias aligned with Iran. The deployment of additional troops to the region has been announced in response to ongoing attacks and the Israel conflict. Mr. Blinken’s visit to Iraq was met with a warning from the Iran-backed terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah. Rocket and drone attacks on U.S. and coalition troops have increased in Iraq and Syria since the Hamas attacks in Gaza. Iraqi armed groups aligned with Iran have threatened to target U.S. interests if Washington supports Israel against Hamas. Mr. Blinken also discussed humanitarian concerns with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas during his visit to the West Bank. He emphasized the U.S. commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance and preventing forced displacement of Palestinians. However, he expressed concerns that a ceasefire would allow Hamas to regroup and launch another attack. The Secretary of State will travel to Turkey next, where protests against the Israeli military operation in Gaza are already taking place. Turkish officials have condemned the operation, and during a pro-Palestinian rally in southern Turkey, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protestors attempting to storm an air base hosting U.S. troops.
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