US Defense Secretary Arrives in Iraq on Unannounced Visit – Pentagon

US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter made surprise visit to Iraq in order to thank US-led coalition troops for their service as part of the fight against the Daesh terrorist group, according to Pentagon’s press service.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on Sunday arrived in Iraq on a surprise visit to thank US-led coalition troops for their service as part of the fight against the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) terrorist group, as he is about to leave his office, Pentagon’s press service said.

“#SecDef Carter makes surprise visit to Iraq and is greeted by @CJTFOIR [Commander, Combined Joint Task Force — Operation Inherent Resolve] LTG  [Stephen] Townsend. Will thank US, coalition, and Iraqi troops during stay,” the press service said on Twitter.

#SecDef Carter makes surprise visit to Iraq and is greeted by @CJTFOIR LTG Townsend. Will thank US, coalition, and Iraqi troops during stay pic.twitter.com/VKmbkB8gJm

— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) December 11, 2016

​The US-led coalition of more than 60 nations has been conducting airstrikes against the Daesh in Syria and Iraq since 2014.

Daesh, a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia and a number of other states worldwide, took over vast swathes of Syria and Iraq in 2014.