Blinken makes an unprecedented visit to Iraq

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid an unprecedented visit to Iraq on Sunday, as he visits the Middle East, trying to ease tensions following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas.

After a previous visit to the occupied West Coast, Blinken landed in Baghdad on Sunday night for his first visit to the country as the American chief diplomat and held talks with Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani.

Washington wants to prevent a wider regional conflict and has increased diplomacy with countries in the region, whose population is angered by Israel's Gaza attack.
Blinken landed at Baghdad International Airport, wore a ballistic vest and travelled with Black Hawk helicopter to the Green Zone. At the US ambassador's residence, he was informed of threats to US facilities before going to the prime minister's office.

He will travel to Turkey later Sunday, where several protests have been held. The Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah issued a warning Saturday evening that Blinken's expected visit would face “an unprecedented escalation”.

US defence officials say rocket attacks and fears on US and coalition troops have been added to Iraq and Syria since Hamas' deadly attacks on 7 October that triggered an intensive Israeli military campaign in Gaza. /abcnews. al