East Bay Congressman Meets with Troops, Military Commanders in Iraq

Photos: Rep. Eric Swalwell attended Easter service with U.S. troops in Iraq followed by Easter Dinner. Credit: Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell

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U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15), a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, returned from a bipartisan trip to Iraq this week.

In Iraq, Swalwell was briefed by senior military officials on Operation Inherent Resolve (to degrade the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s (ISIL) capabilities) and met with Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi. Additionally, Swalwell attended Easter Sunday service and brunch with enlisted troops.

“This trip gave me the opportunity to see up close the damage the Iraqi-led, U.S.-supported coalition is having on ISIL,” said Swalwell. “Because of the enduring work of our troops and intelligence community, we have ISIL on the ropes and are well-positioned to deliver a knockout blow. The real challenge, however, is what does Iraq look like post-ISIL? The United States can provide limited, short-term military aid to Iraq, but a longstanding peaceful future requires Iraqi leadership that puts an end to sectarian violence.”

“It was an honor to spend Easter Sunday in Iraq with my heroes, the brave men and women of our Armed Services and intelligence community,” said Swalwell. “I was moved by the commitment of our troops, who were spending Easter away from their loved ones, to serve our country.

--Information source Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell

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