Nicholson, New U.S. Commander In Afghanistan
KABUL: (MEP) Army Lt. Gen. John “Mick” Nicholson has been selected as the new commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan since insecurity and unstable has rampant in the country as local security forces fight a resilient Taliban insurgency, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
Nicholson was replaced with Army Gen. John Campbell who has led allied forces there since the middle of 2014.
Campbell told “USA TODAY” late last month that he wanted to maintain that troop level for as long as possible in 2016. President Obama has called for a residual force of 5,500 to remain after this year. Campbell also said that he could request additional American forces for Afghanistan if needed.
Nicholson has held several high-profile Army roles, including commanding officer for the 82nd Airborne Division as well as serving deputy commanding general for operations in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012.
There are 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan who advise Afghan forces and also conduct counter-terrorism missions. Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook announced the change in command at a briefing for reporters.
Cook said Defense Minister believes that Nicholson would continue the hard work of Gen. Campbell and will help bring a brighter future for the Afghan people and the government of Afghanistan to strengthen the leadership capabilities security professionals.
U.S. forces entered Afghanistan in 2001 to battle the Taliban insurgents and chased al-Qaeda which had planned the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The conflict has become America’s longest-running war.
