KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is expressing concerns about the Islamic State group militants as he makes a surprise visit to Afghanistan.

Nixon is part of a delegation of four U.S. governors who traveled to Afghanistan over the weekend to receive counterterrorism briefings and greet troops. During a conference call Sunday with reporters, Nixon said the war on terror is becoming the “new normal.”

He says the situation in Afghanistan is improving, noting the country’s election of a new president and a soon-to-be-signed security agreement. But he says the expansion of terrorist groups into other areas is “sobering” and casting a shadow over the improvements. He said the situation pointed out continued responsibilities to “protect America and our way of life.”

The U.S. Department of Defense sponsored the trip.

———–

NEW YORK – Four U.S. governors are in Afghanistan as part of a delegation to receive counterterrorism briefings and to greet troops stationed there. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office says he’s in country with Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon at the invitation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.