US introduces new commander to lead international forces in Afghanistan

If confirmed by the Senate, U.S Army Lt. Gen. John Nicholson will succeed Army Gen. John Campbell, who has served as commander in Afghanistan since the middle of 2014 and is expected to finish his term around March 1.

“He understands the importance and complexity of our mission in Afghanistan,” Pentagon’s Press Secretary Peter Cook said during the press briefing, having served previously as chief of staff of operations for the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, and US Forces Afghanistan.

Nicholson currently commands NATO’s Allied Land Command, and has held several high-profile Army roles, including the commanding officer for the 82nd Airborne Division, and deputy commanding general for operations in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012.

Currently, there are 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan who advise local security forces and conduct counter-terrorism missions.