Defense Agency chief Yoshinori Ono left Saturday for Iraq to visit the troops deployed in the southern city of Samawah -- just as the government prepares to extend the troops' mission, which started in January.

Ono's predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, did not visit the troops. Ono took over the post in late September.

"I'd like to encourage Self-Defense Forces members who are working hard on humanitarian reconstruction aid in severe circumstances," Ono told reporters at Narita airport before his departure. "I want to see the security situation in Samawah with my own eyes."