Pence makes stealth visit to Iraq

US Vice President Mike Pence has made a stealth visit to Iraq amid ongoing protests in the capital city of Baghdad, and some southern cities.

According to Press TV, Pence landed at Al Asad Air Base in the western Al Anbar Governorate on Saturday where he was greeted by the US Ambassador to Iraq and several military officers.

The visit was previously unannounced due to security considerations and Pence traveled to the Arab country on a cargo plane to conceal his identity.

Upon arrival, Pence received a classified briefing from the commanding officer on the base.

He then spoke on phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi and visited Nechirvan Barzani, President of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in Iraq.

On the phone call, Pence cited one purpose of his visit was to express the US government's gratitude to US troops.

President Donald Trump had visited troops at the base about a year ago on Dec. 26, 2018.

Pence cited another purpose of his visit with Barzani to express Washington's support for the Kurds who were fighting Daesh terrorists.

Trump's decision to withdraw US troops from northern Syria was seen as US betrayal of Kurds.

Pence called on Iraqi officials to uphold the freedom of speech for protesters without fear of violence.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday the United States was prepared to impose sanctions on any Iraqi officials responsible for the deaths and wounding of protesters.

The protests in Iraq, which began more than a month ago, are directed at an elite group whom they accuse of pillaging the oil-rich country's wealth.

ME