"Classified": Mullin offers few details on mystery 2016 mission

• "That was an official trip that is classified," Mullin said in response to questions from Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, during his contentious confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
• Mullin also left open the possibility that he traveled overseas for "mission work" before he was elected to Congress, but he provided no details.

State of play: Mullin has long hinted to colleagues that he was involved in security missions in war zones before entering Congress, Axios reported Wednesday morning.

• On Wednesday, he shed additional light on previously undisclosed travel during his time as a lawmaker.
• "In 2015, I was asked to train with a very small contingency and go to a certain area, which was scheduled for 2016," Mullin said.
• "I had to go through tier training. The training and stuff was kind of fun," he said, before adding that it "was absolutely awful."

• "I've never spoken specifically on details," he added.

The intrigue: "So where did you smell war, sir?" Peters asked, referring to a phrase Mullin used on Fox News earlier this month.

• "I just said that this was classified — and the dates, locations and mission, I've never spoken about those details," Mullin replied.

What we're watching: Mullin said he did not need to report details of the trip to the committee because it was official business.

• Peters said he would seek more information independently.
• "That's fine," Mullin responded.