Rep. Swalwell Visits Afghanistan and The United Arab Emirates

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) returns today from a four-day Congressional Delegation visit to Afghanistan and the UAE. The delegation was led by the House Armed Service Committee's Senior Democrat Adam Smith.

In Afghanistan, Rep. Swalwell met with top U.S. military officials, including Marine Four-Star General Joe Dunford, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, and was briefed on the drawdown of American troops, the transition of responsibility to the Afghanistan National Security Force (ANSF) and the supporting role our troops are now playing to ANSF. Rep. Swalwell also met with local CA-15 (East Bay) troops serving in Afghanistan and was able to hear from local Afghan leaders and military generals. In the UAE, Rep. Swalwell was briefed by military and intelligence officials on the developing situation in Syria as well as the strategic partnership between the UAE and the United States in an increasingly unstable region of the world.

"The visit was an important opportunity to learn straight from military and intelligence officials about the serious developments in Syria and also view, first-hand, the security situation on-the-ground in Afghanistan. I was encouraged to see that the efforts of our Armed Forces have better prepared Afghan troops to play a primary security role in the region as we significantly reduce our troop levels in Afghanistan," said Rep. Swalwell.

"I especially appreciated the opportunity to visit with our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan, including several of my constituents. Since being sworn-in back in January, I've been able to celebrate many troop homecomings from Afghanistan in the East Bay and also sadly have eulogized at a funeral of local hero who gave his life serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. It was an honor to visit our troops in Afghanistan to express my appreciation for their service to our country and dedication to a smooth transition of power as we step back to play a supporting role. Our troops' preparation of the Afghan Forces will help ensure that the country is never again a safe harbor and training ground for terrorists who wish to plan attacks against Americans," he added.

Hi-res photos are available upon request.

Rep. Swalwell meets with troops serving in Afghanistan.

Rep. Swalwell with Marine Four Star General Joe Dunford, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan.

Rep. Swalwell and Army First Lieutenant Chris Mitchell of Fremont, CA.

Rep. Swalwell with Dr. Waheed Momand, Union City, CA resident and Kabul activist.