Hagel: Iraq Gaining Momentum against Islamic State

Outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is in Iraq Tuesday for one last visit as the U.S. continues to help the Iraqi military in the battle against the Islamic State.

Hagel says he believes Iraq's security forces have gained a new momentum, thanks in part to U.S. airstrikes against ISIS.

He added that the jihadist army remains a serious threat, not only to Iraq, but also to Iran and other countries in the region.

Meanwhile, the top U.S. commander for the military campaign against the Islamic State said ISIS fighters have lost the initiative in Iraq.

Army Lt. Gen. James Terry says ISIS is no longer able to capture large swaths of land like they did earlier this year.

But he admitted there is a difficult fight ahead because ISIS has still been able to hold ground.

"In some places it's stalemated; in some places it's to the advantage of the Iraqis," Terry said.

One example of Iraqi forces gaining the upper hand can be seen in Bayji, the site of a key oil refinery north of Baghdad.

Terry says the effort to rebuild Iraq's army will soon get a boost from coalition countries that plan to commit roughly 1,500 military trainers.