An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.
Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Ash Carter's Meetings with Prime Minister Abadi, Minister of Defense Ubaidi and Iraqi Sunni Leaders

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visited Baghdad, Iraq today to assess progress in the counter-ISIL campaign. He met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Minister of Defense Khaled al-Ubaidi and affirmed the U.S. commitment to support the government of Iraq in the campaign to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL. He emphasized the importance of building an inclusive government and strengthening the Iraqi Security Forces. ‎

Secretary Carter also met with Sunni political and tribal leaders to discuss their role in the fight against ISIL. He ended his visit by meeting U.S. and coalition troops. He thanked them for their commitment and their service.