Top US commander Afghanistan Miller relinquishes post

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan has relinquished his position at a ceremony in the capital of Kabul. The move takes the United States a step closer to ending a 20-year military presence that became known as its “forever war.” The transition Monday comes as Taliban insurgents continue to gain territory across the country.

Gen. Scott Miller handed over command to Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the head of U.S. Central Command. McKenzie, also a four-star general, will operate from Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida.

McKenzie assumes authority to conduct possible airstrikes in defense of Afghan government forces, at least until the U.S. withdrawal concludes by Aug. 31.