Bush rallies troops in surprise Iraq visit

US President George W Bush made a surprise visit to American troops in Baghdad last night, flying secretly to violence-scarred Iraq to thank American forces for serving there.

Even first lady Laura Bush was not told of the daring trip until two hours before the president sneaked out of his Texas ranch, avoiding the White House press corps.

The visit, timed to coincide with the American Thanksgiving holiday, was the first by an US president to Iraq a mission tense with concern about his safety.