Syria’s Al-Moallem on Surprise Visit to Baghdad

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem landed in Baghdad on Sunday at the head of a Syrian delegation in an unannounced visit.

“The foreign minister of Syria, Walid Moallem, arrived in Baghdad. He will meet Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki,” a senior government official announced. It was unclear how long the visit would last and whether Moallem would meet with any other Iraqi officials.

The surprise visit comes a day after Iraq launched a massive operation to better secure its western desert amid concerns it is being used by militants heading to fight against the Syrian government.