Soldiers clapped and cheered when he made his surprise appearance at the airport in the capital, Baghdad.

He had flown all the way from his Texas ranch, spent almost three hours with the troops, then returned home.

He was the first US president to visit the country and his security was very tight because US troops continue to be attacked almost every day.

He thanked the troops, saying: "I bring a message on behalf of America: We thank you for your service, we are proud of you and America stands solidly behind you."

He then shook hands with soldiers and dished out food to them.