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US replaces Afghanistan general US replaces Afghanistan general
(10 minutes later)
The US is to replace its military commander in Afghanistan as part of a new strategy for fighting the country's Taleban insurgents.The US is to replace its military commander in Afghanistan as part of a new strategy for fighting the country's Taleban insurgents.
Gen David McKiernan is to be succeeded by Gen Stanley McCrystal, a senior Pentagon official told the BBC.Gen David McKiernan is to be succeeded by Gen Stanley McCrystal, a senior Pentagon official told the BBC.
The official said Gen McCrystal had a better understanding of the nature of the conflict in Afghanistan.The official said Gen McCrystal had a better understanding of the nature of the conflict in Afghanistan.
Gen McKiernan has been US commander in Afghanistan for less than one year, a period marked by an surge in violence.Gen McKiernan has been US commander in Afghanistan for less than one year, a period marked by an surge in violence.
He currently serves as the director of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and was previously a director of special operations forces.
Strategic goals
The change comes as President Barack Obama's administration prepares to send thousands of extra troops to Afghanistan, and amid pressure on international forces to reduce the numbers of civilians killed by coalition air strikes.
The US is sending 21,000 additional troops to the country, to join an existing force of 38,000.
But relations with President Hamid Karzai's Afghan government have been strained by a recent air strike which some Afghan officials say killed as many as 150 people.
On Sunday, Gen David Petraeus, who heads US Central Command, responsible for Afghanistan operations, said "tactical actions" should not undermine strategic goals.