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Ash Carter, U.S. Defence Secretary, made a surprise visit to Baghdad, Iraq on Thursday. The visit is to get a first-hand assessment of the campaign that aroused against Islamic State due to Iraq’s trial to retake the fallen capital of Sunni-dominated Anbar province, Ramadi.

Anbar's capital, Ramadi was seized by Islamic State two months ago, extending its control over the Euphrates valley west of Baghdad. This is a major setback to Mr. Abadi and the U.S.-backed army that he entrusted with its defence.

Mr. Carter would meet US commanders and even Iraqi political leaders, including Haider al-Abadi, the Prime Minister of Iraq.

Mr. Carter said he sought to form "my own on-the-ground assessment of the campaign".

"I will be doing my own conferring with our military commanders," Mr. Carter told reporters ahead of his trip.

Carter may not announce any major change in U.S. strategy or increase in U.S. troop levels. Currently, approximately 3,360 troops in Iraq are training Iraqi troops, advising Iraqi commanders on battle plans, and providing security for U.S. personnel and facilities.

Along with several coalition partners, the U.S. is conducting airstrikes daily to chip away at the Islamic State's grip on large parts of Iraq.

- Sumana