The top U.S. commander leading forces in Afghanistan is set
to step down on Monday, as the Pentagon's withdrawal effort from the region
nears completion.
Army Gen. Austin “Scott” Miller, who has led the U.S.’sinvolvement in Afghanistan for nearly three years, will relinquish command
during a Transfer of Authority ceremony in Kabul, a Defense Official confirmed
to The Hill.
Marine Gen. Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie, the chief of U.S.
Central Command, will reportedly take over for Miller in Afghanistan on Monday.
He is expected to manage the final stages of the mission from his headquarters
in Tampa. Rear Adm. Peter Vasely will reportedly lead approximately 650 troops
that are responsible for protecting the U.S. Embassy.
The news comes as the withdrawal of U.S. troops has ramped
up in recent weeks. President Biden on Friday said the mission is set to end on
Aug. 31, ahead of his original goal for all troops to be pulled from the region
by Sept. 11, the 20-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks that led to
America’s longest war.
Miller will leave Afghanistan as the longest-serving senior
U.S. officer in the war, the news outlets noted. He supervised an intense
period of the war that included the Trump administration’s 2020 deal that
prepared the withdrawal process, and the final decision by Biden in April to
pull all troops from the region.
The Washington Post and Reuters previously reported on
Miller stepping down.
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