Four United States governors on Saturday made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan to greet the U.S. forces deployed there and as part of the delegates to receive counter terrorism briefings.

According to the office of New York Rep. Andrew Cuomo, the invitation to travel to Afghanistan was from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

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Hagel also invited Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, William Haslam of Tennessee and Nevada Rep. Brian Sandoval.

The four governors traveled to Afghanistan along with several officials from the U.S. Department of Defense, which sponsored the trip, according to Cuomo's office.

In a statement released by Cuomo, the New York representative said his office is working closely with federal partners to heighten the security in New York and increase the preparedness of its citizens, especially at a time where there are security concerns in the country

In addition, Cuomo said while there are efforts to protect the people from the threat of international terrorism, the government and the country must also acknowledge the sacrifice of the military troops deployed overseas who have dedicated their lives to protecting the homeland.

There are about 270 New York National Guard members who were sent to Afghanistan. The Watertown-based Fort Drum's 10th Mountain Division, one of the most often sent to Iraq and Afghanistan as reinforcement, have some 900 men stationed in the Middle East.

The briefing covered the heightened threats of terrorism that can affect New York's security, according to Cuomo.

Additionally, he said it was a privilege to personally deliver a message to the men and women who risked their lives overseas: "New York stands by you."

The representatives were sent to Afghanistan to have a better understanding of the military missions in the Middle Eastern country, Sandoval said.

Due to security issues, the Afghanistan travel was not publicized in advance.

TagsAfghanistan, counterterrorism briefing, Chuck Hagel, Andrew Cuomo, U.S.