BAGHDAD, Dec 20: US Defence Secretary Robert Gates paid a surprise fact-finding visit on Wednesday to Baghdad to discuss with US commanders the prospect of dispatching more US troops to Iraq.

“Obviously, we discussed the possibility of a surge (and) what potentially a surge might accomplish,” Gates told reporters after seeing the generals at the US military’s Camp Victory headquarters on the outskirts of the Iraqi capital.

But Gates -- who officially became defence secretary on Monday -- added that he was reserving judgement on whether it would be a good idea to increase US troop levels to stem the spiral of sectarian violence.

“Before I draw any conclusion on that, I want to talk to the prime minister and members of the Iraqi government,” he said. Gates is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who wants a rapid handover of security responsibilities to Iraqis rather than an increase in the 140,000-strong US force.

Debate over whether to add 30,000 troops to the US force has gathered momentum in Washington since a crushing Republican defeat in mid-term elections in November that led to the ouster of former defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who favoured a smaller force.

“As far as the surge is concerned, I think it’s fair to say every option is on the table,” General John Abizaid, the commander of US forces in the Middle East, told reporters.

Arriving in Baghdad just two days after being sworn in as Rumsfeld’s replacement, Gates met Abizaid; General George Casey, the commander of US forces in Iraq; and Lieutenant General Raymond Odierno, the top field commander.

Travelling with him was General Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Other senior State Department and National Security Council officials also accompanied the new secretary.

Mr Gates said the Bush administration believed that a bigger US army in general was needed to meet demands of an unstable world. But he said the size of any increase would depend on a variety of factors.—AFP