Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Joe Biden makes surprise visit to Iraq to boost fight against Isis

Biden made the unnannounced trip on Thursday morning.

Justin Carissimo
New York
Thursday 28 April 2016 09:39 EDT
Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the 19th Annual HRC National Dinner in 2015.
Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the 19th Annual HRC National Dinner in 2015. (Leigh Vogel/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Baghdad on Thursday to meet senior Iraqi officials in an effort to boost the US-led coalition's fight against Isis.

Due to security concerns, the White House hasn't disclosed Biden’s itinerary, but he is expected to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to encourage national unity. Vice President Biden will also discuss steps the international community can take to promote the country’s economic stability.

“The vice president has been the point person on Iraq for the administration since the beginning,” an unnamed official told Politico, adding that Biden is the highest-ranking US official to visit the country since his previous trip in November 2011. “He’s been itching to get back for a while; looking for an opportunity. This seemed like a good moment to do it.”

The trip marks Vice President Biden's ninth trip since President Barack Obama's election in 2008.

Earlier this month, the Obama administration agreed to send 250 troops to support the fight against the so-called Islamic State.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in