The U.S. military's top general called Japan's decision to deploy troops to Iraq "a historic move" but warned they face the possibility of casualties in the restive nation.
Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised Japan for accepting the risks of the deployment to help create a stable Iraq.
His comments came during a news conference Monday with reporters in Japan. Myers is on a nine-day trip to Asia and Australia to promote U.S. military ties in the region.
"Operations in Iraq are not without risk," Myers said. "It doesn't matter where you are in the country."
Myers said last month's capture of deposed President Saddam Hussein has led to a greater understanding of the guerrillas operating in Iraq.
He stopped short, however, of saying that the security situation has permanently improved in the period since then.
"I am withholding my judgment on whether it's getting better or getting worse," he said.
