Anthony Blinken makes a surprise visit to Iraq, then comes to neighboring Turkey

After his visit to the West Bank, the head of American diplomacy, Anthony Blinken, made a surprise visit to Baghdad today, where he discussed with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani the risks of prolonging the war between Israel and the Palestinian movement “Hamas”, reported AFP and BTA.

Blinken’s visit to Iraq, announced by the Iraqi prime minister’s office, was not announced in advance for security reasons. It comes at a time when since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7 with an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israeli territory, missile and drone attacks have been directed against Iraqi bases where US troops are stationed and troops from the international anti-jihadist coalition.

Washington accuses Iran of being involved in these attacks, which also target US troops in neighboring Syria. Most of the attacks were claimed by a group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq on Telegram channels linked to Iraqi factions close to Iran. Some 17 attacks were carried out between Oct. 17 and Nov. 3, according to Pentagon figures released Friday. in Iraq and 12 in Syria. About 2,500 US troops are stationed in Iraq. Their mission is to advise their Iraqi counterparts in the fight against the Islamic State jihadist group.

Sudani condemned the attacks and assured that “investigations” were underway to identify the perpetrators. Blinken today called the attacks “absolutely unacceptable”.

Earlier today Blinken discussed with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulidis the creation of a humanitarian maritime corridor between Cyprus and the Gaza Strip.

Christodoulidis held a telephone conversation with King Abdullah of Jordan, dedicated to the events in the Middle East and the relations between the European Union and Jordan, reported the Cypriot KNA agency.

Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Lethimbiotis reported on the X social network that Christodoulidis and Abdullah discussed in detail Cyprus’ initiative to create a maritime corridor to deliver humanitarian aid from the island to Gaza.

The excellent relations between Cyprus and Jordan were also noted, which can contribute to efforts to de-escalate the crisis and to stability in the region. In the same context, relations between the EU and Jordan were discussed and how their further strengthening could contribute to achieving stability in the region and de-escalation of the crisis.