Washington (CNN) President Joe Biden is nominating Army Lt. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla to be the next commander of US Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, according to multiple defense officials and nomination paperwork sent to Congress. Kurilla would replace Gen. Frank McKenzie, who has commanded CENTCOM since early 2019. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the nomination. Kurilla, the commander of the Army's 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, would get his fourth star with the rank of general if confirmed to the new post. Once confirmed, Kurilla will take over as head of the US Central Command as the Pentagon is still grappling with the chaotic August 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, and keeping a watchful eye on Iran.

Source: CNN January 07, 2022 01:16 UTC