News - Middle East: Iraqi resistance and political groups have taken strong exception to the Pentagon chief's unannounced visit to Baghdad and Washington’s intent to continue its military presence in the Arab country on the pretext of preserving its stability.

Lloyd Austin, the US defense secretary, made a surprise visit to the Iraqi capital on Wednesday, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the US-led invasion of the country that was followed by the collapse of the regime of former dictator Saddam Hussein, which plunged the Arab country into crisis. 

In Baghdad, Austin announced Washington's intent to maintain the military presence that began with the US invasion in 2003 and continued for the 20 years since, expressing hope to "strengthen and broaden" relations with Iraq.

"US forces are ready to remain in Iraq at the invitation of the government of Iraq," Austin told reporters after meeting Iraqi premier Mohammed al-Sudani.

"The United States will continue to strengthen and broaden our partnership in support of Iraqi security, stability, and sovereignty."

Austin, the most senior official in President Joe Biden’s administration to visit Iraq, was the last commanding general of US forces there after the invasion.

Iraqi political groups and resistance factions severely censured the visit as an "insult to the blood of martyrs” and a "brazen act," stressing that they will not wait for any permission to expel the occupation forces from their country.

They reaffirmed their pledge to end the American occupation and expel the occupying forces, slamming the Pentagon chief's remarks that hinted at the continued American military presence in the Arab country.

The visit came as the anti-occupation voices have grown louder in Iraq calling for the immediate ouster of American occupying forces and denouncing the visits of senior American political and military officials.