Petraeus takes charge of troops in Middle East and Central Asia

Washington: General David Petraeus, widely credited for progress in the US-led Iraq conflict, took command of all US forces in the Middle East and Central Asia Friday, before leaving on Saturday to tour the region.

Petraeus, 55, whose new responsibilities include the theatres of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, assumed control at a ceremony at the Central Command (Centcom) complex at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.