Blinken makes unannounced stop in Baghdad after West Bank visit

US Secretary of State will travel to Turkey later on Sunday

Last updated: November 05, 2023 | 23:33

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Baghdad on Sunday evening for his first visit to the country as the US top diplomat and held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al Sudani.

AFP

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Baghdad: Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unscheduled stop in Baghdad, expanding US diplomacy in the Middle East with the goal of preventing a spread of the Israel-Hamas war.

US wants to prevent a wider regional conflict and has stepped up diplomacy with regional countries whose populations have been angered by Israel's assault on Gaza.

Blinken landed at Baghdad's international airport, donned a ballistic vest and travelled by Black Hawk helicopter to the Green Zone. At the US ambassador's residence he was briefed on threats to US facilities, before heading to the prime minister's office.

He will travel to Turkey later on Sunday.

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