US Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Irbil, the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, on an unannounced visit.

During his short visit, Kerry plans to meet with the leaders of the oil-rich area, the BBC Russian Service reported.

On Monday, the US secretary of state discussed with Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki the current crisis in the country, and he also held talks with the major political figures representing both the Sunni and the Shia Muslims of Iraq.    

To note, the Sunni rebels say they have fully captured the country’s main oil refinery at Baiji, north of Baghdad.