US Defense Secretary Removes Top Afghanistan General

The US defence secretary has asked the country's commander in Afghanistan to step down, saying the battle against the Taleban needs "new thinking".

Robert Gates confirmed General David McKiernan would effectively be sacked less than a year after taking command, the BBC reported.

He will be replaced by General Stanley McChrystal, who is seen as having a better understanding of the conflict. The change comes as the US boosts troops numbers in Afghanistan and prepares for a change in strategy.

McKiernan's time as US commander in Afghanistan has coincided with a surge in violence. His successor currently serves as the director of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and was previously a director of special operations forces.

Announcing the removal of McKiernan from his role, Gates said new military leadership was needed to go along with a new strategy and a new ambassador. "This is the right time to make the change," he said.

"Our mission there requires new thinking and new approaches from our military leaders."

He said the decision was in the best interest of US national security and the success of the Afghanistan mission.

The change comes as President Obama's administration prepares to send 21 000 additional troops to the country, to join an existing force of 38 000.in Afghanistan, and amid pressure on international forces to reduce the numbers of civilians killed by coalition air strikes. With plans announced for a phased pullout of US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan was recently confirmed as the primary focus of US military operations.

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