MOSUL, Iraq, Dec 5 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Iraq on Wednesday to hear from commanders how they plan to maintain gains made during a security crackdown this year as the Pentagon begins to draw down American forces.

Gates flew into the northern Iraqi city of Mosul after visiting Afghanistan.

"Secretary Gates is here to see for himself the considerable progress that has been made since his last visit nearly three months ago," said Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell, travelling with Gates.

(Reporting by Kristin Roberts, Editing by Dean Yates)

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