WASHINGTON: Lieutenant General John Mick Nicholson, the current head of Nato’s Allied Land Command, has been chosen as the new commander of international forces in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Wednesday amid concerns about setbacks in the fight against the Taliban.

Nicholson, whose selection must be confirmed by the Senate, would replace General John Campbell, who has commanded United States (US) and international forces in Afghanistan for the past 18 months and is expected to retire.

Army Lt Gen John W “Mick” Nicholson Jr has an extensive command experience in Afghanistan and around the world, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.

The nomination and Nicholson’s accompanying promotion to four-star rank require Senate confirmation.

“I am absolutely confident in the man the president intends to nominate to take Gen Campbell’s place when his work in Afghanistan is completed,” Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement, about the newly appointed General who has served as the director of the Pakistan/Afghanistan Coordination Cell for the Joint Staff, and deputy commander” Stability of ISAF Regional Command South”.

Lt Gen Nicholson has led soldiers at all levels from platoon to division in airborne, ranger, mechanized, Stryker and light infantry units in five different infantry divisions, and the 75th Ranger Regiment.

He commanded the 82nd Airborne Division, reestablishing global response force capabilities, and commanded NATO’s Allied Land Command.

Source:AFP