Top U.S. General in Afghanistan Scott Miller relinquishes post

He says relentless violence is making political settlement increasingly difficult

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan relinquished his position at a ceremony in the capital Kabul on Monday, taking the U.S. a step closer to ending its 20-year war. The move came as Taliban insurgents continue to gain territory across the country. Another four-star general will assume authority from his U.S.-based post to conduct possible airstrikes in defence of Afghan government forces, at least until the U.S. withdrawal concludes by August 31. Gen. Scott Miller has served as America’s top commander in Afghanistan since 2018. He handed over command of what has become known as America’s “forever war” in its waning days to Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the head of U.S. Central Command. McKenzie will operate from Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida.