Pentagon announces new US commander for intl forces in Afghan

January 28, 2016 09:15

The Pentagon has named Lieutenant General John "Mick" Nicholson as the new commander of international forces in Afghanistan, amid concerns about setbacks in the fight against Taliban in the war-torn nation.

Once confirmed by the United States Senate, Gen Nicholson who is currently the US Army commander of NATO land forces, would replace Gen John Campbell, who has been leading the Afghan operations for nearly 18 months.

"I am confident that Gen Nicholson will build upon Gen Campbell's hard work to secure a bright future for the Afghan people, and help the government of Afghanistan strengthen a professional and capable security partner to the American people," Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said in a statement yesterday.

"He knows what it means to lead a responsive and nimble force, and how to build the capacity of our partners to respond to immediate and long term threats and remain adaptable to confront evolving challenges," Carter said. "He understands the importance and complexity of our mission in Afghanistan," the Defence Secretary said.

Nicholson has served in multiple capacities including chief of staff of operations for the International Security Assistance Force and US Forces -- Afghanistan, director of the Pakistan/Afghanistan Coordination Cell for the Joint Staff, and deputy commander -- Stability of ISAF Regional Command '" South.

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