BAGHDAD, July 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday arrived in Baghdad on a surprise visit to Iraq, U.S. sources said to the media.

    During his unannounced visit to the country, he is due to visit U.S. commanders and troops there, marking the U.S. July 4 Independence Day holiday.

    He is also scheduled to meet Iraqi leaders, including President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

    His visit to Iraq came after U.S. President Barack Obama appointed him to help coordinate Iraq policy as U.S. officials lay the groundwork for a full withdrawal of U.S. forces by Year 2012.