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BAGHDAD: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Friday. This meeting comes as the international community grapples with the fallout from the collapse of the Syrian regime, following the sudden takeover of the government by rebel forces.
In his discussions with Sudani, Blinken emphasized the importance of preventing Syria from becoming a base for terrorism and extremism, with particular concern over the potential regrouping of ISIS. Blinken’s trip is part of a broader diplomatic effort involving meetings in Turkey and Jordan to coordinate responses to the changing situation in Syria.
The visit also comes after recent assessments by top US military and State Department officials in Iraq, focusing on the ongoing D-ISIS mission and the threat posed by Iranian-backed militias in the region. Blinken reaffirmed US support for Iraq’s security and regional stability while stressing the need for an inclusive transition in Syria.