Rumsfeld says thanks to troops

WASHINGTON - Outgoing US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has travelled to Iraq to offer his thanks to troops serving there.

Rumsfeld's secret visit was his 13th unannounced visit to the country. It came one day after he gave a farewell address at the Pentagon and nine days before he is replaced by Robert Gates.

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Todd Vician said Rumsfeld's visit "was to express his appreciation for what the troops are doing and to thank them and their families for the sacrifices they make on behalf of all Americans".

- REUTERS