US defence chief arrives in Iraq

BAGHDAD - US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates landed in Baghdad Wednesday, following President Barack Obama’s declaration that the US combat mission in Iraq has ended.

According to officials, Gates would meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, defence officials and senior military figures in the Iraqi capital.

His visit coincides with that of US Vice President Joe Biden, who has been in the country since Monday.

Later, US General Raymond Odierno will hand over the command of the remaining 50,000 US troops in Iraq to his successor, General Lloyd Austin, who is to oversee training and counter-terrorism deployments.

The new mission called “New Dawn” will be under direction of the US State Department.