Dunford named as new ISAF commander

WASHINGTON (PAN.

If confirmed by the US Senate, Dunford, the assistant commandant of US Marine Corps, would replace Gen John Allen, who was nominated as the next Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

“During his tenure in Afghanistan, Gen. Allen established his credibility with our NATO allies and ISAF partners as a strong and effective military leader,” Obama said, while announcing the nominations.

Under Allen, he added, the US had made important progress toward its core goal of defeating Al Qaeda and ensuring the terrorist network could never return to a sovereign Afghanistan.

“Working with our Afghan partners and international civilians, the forces under Gen. Allen’s command have moved forward with transition to Afghan security forces, who will take the lead for security across the country next year,” the president said.

Acknowledging that difficult work remained ahead in Afghanistan, he said: “I have full confidence in his (Dunford’s) extensive experience, strategic leadership and vision.”

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