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

Biden made the unnannounced trip on Thursday morning.

Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the 19th Annual HRC National Dinner in 2015. (Leigh Vogel/Getty)

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.