Following a trip to the Middle East, where he and other senators had the opportunity to visit Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations, U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-AL, returned to the states Wednesday both concerned and inspired.

“This is a critical time for Iraq and Afghanistan, both politically and in terms of security,” Jones said. “Although there have been reports to the contrary, it is clear that ISIS and al-Qaeda have not been defeated. Both terrorist organizations are regrouping and growing in strength and sophistication.”

Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, had the opportunity to meet with Alabama service members overseas, as well as U.S. military leaders and diplomats.

“I was extremely impressed with the professionalism and dedication displayed by our commanders and troops, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit with and personally thank a number of the brave men and women from Alabama who are serving in the region,” Jones said.

Jones noted that both Iraq and Afghanistan are making strides toward “self-sufficiency” with military assistance, not added that “there is a long way to go before they will be able to manage the complex security threats on their own.”

Jones recommended that the U.S. maintain a “strong and enduring counterterrorism presence” in the region in order to keep terrorist organizations under heel and ensure that they are incapable of sponsoring attacks on U.S. soil.