WASHINGTON (AP) – Officials say the Obama administration has chosen a seasoned veteran of the Afghanistan war to succeed Gen. John F. Campbell as the top American commander in Kabul.
The selection of Lt. Gen. John W. “Mick” Nicholson Jr. is expected to be announced by the Pentagon on Wednesday. It comes amid growing concern about battlefield setbacks in Afghanistan and gains by the Taliban. Three U.S. officials revealed the selection on condition of anonymity ahead of the public announcement.
Nicholson is a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and is currently commander of NATO’s Allied Land Command in Turkey. His nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.
Campbell has been in command in Afghanistan since August 2014. He is expected to retire.