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 Gen David McKiernan would effectively be sacked less than a year after taking command.
He will be replaced by Gen 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.
Gen McKiernan has been US commander in Afghanistan for less than one year, a period marked by 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 Gen McKiernan from his role, defence secretary Robert Gates said new military leadership was needed to go along with a new strategy and a new ambassador...
Read more @ BBC News
