Top US Commander in Afghanistan Reportedly Leaving for Europe
Published at
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Gen. John Allen is reportedly leaving his post as commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Rumors were swirling around Washington Tuesday that the White House will assign Allen to take over as head of U.S. European Command early next year.
If President Obama makes that decision, it would still have to be confirmed by the Senate.
For now, the Pentagon is downplaying reports about Allen’s move, with spokesman Capt. John Kirby telling the Washington Post, “No final decisions have been made regarding a follow-on assignment for Gen. Allen or the future of European Command.”
In July 2011, Allen replaced retired Gen. David Petraeus in Afghanistan, who went on to become director of the CIA.
Allen has been serving a dual role in Afghanistan, overseeing the continued coalition offensive against the Taliban while managing the withdrawal of one-third of U.S. soldiers. By the end of this summer, troops levels will stand at about 68,000, down from 100,000 last year.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio