Hagel in Baghdad to meet with Iraqi officials
The US Defense Secretary landed at the Baghdad international airport under tight security Tuesday.
BAGHDAD (AP) - U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has arrived in Baghdad to consult with Iraqi government officials and confer with U.S. commanders.
Hagel landed at the Baghdad international airport under tight security Tuesday. The last Pentagon chief to visit Iraq was Leon Panetta in December 2011, as the U.S. was marking the end of its military mission.
Hagel said during a visit to Kuwait Monday that he believes Iraq s security forces have gained new momentum, thanks in part to sustained U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State militants.
The U.S. is committed to helping Iraq roll back the territorial gains the militants made earlier this year, but President Barack Obama has ruled out sending American ground combat forces.
Hagel is on what is expected to be his last overseas trip as defense secretary.
