McHugh Completes 9th Trip To Iraq, Says Conditions Are Improving

North country Congressman John McHugh just finished up a two day visit with Fort Drum soldiers serving in Iraq.

On Thursday afternoon, the Republican lawmaker spoke with 7 News by phone from Kuwait.

In his 9th trip to Iraq, McHugh says the most noticeable change in that country is the improvement in security.

Right now, the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st and 4th Brigades, along with Headquarters, are in Iraq.

Much of the mission is helping turn over control to Iraqi security forces - a job McHugh says is nearing completion.

“Of the 18 Iraqi provinces, the Iraqis are in the lead as they say. In other words, they’re the ones on the front line in the fighting in 13 of those,” said McHugh.

The 14th province, al-Anbar, once considered one of the more deadly areas in Iraq, is now undergoing the same transition from coalition controlled to Iraqi controlled.

McHugh says it’s a sign things are getting better and he says there are other good signs.

“I was struck by the fact that we could get out of the up-armored vehicles and walk around the streets. The return to security was impressive,” said McHugh.

The congressman took time to talk with Fort Drum soldiers as well as General David Patraeus, who is expected to make a recommendation to Congress this fall on whether or not to send more troops home.

“I would certainly not be surprised and would most welcome some reduction,” said McHugh.

As for troop morale, McHugh says it’s good.

On July 4, he says 1,000 troops in baghdad re-enlisted for service.

The congressman expects to be back in America in a few days and plans to attend the Republican National Convention next week.

See Jeff Nelson’s report:

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