US Defense Chief makes unannounced Iraq visit

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is greeted next to a plane by Major General Matthew McFarlane, during his unannounced trip to Baghdad, Iraq, March 7, 2023. [Reuters]

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday during an unannounced visit to Iraq that U.S. forces operating in the country are focused on supporting Iraqi forces and defeating the Islamic State group, while highlighting the need for security to carry out that mission.