US Iraq chief Petraeus appointed head of US Central Command

Washington: The General in charge of US operations in Iraq has been appointed as the head of US Central Command.

General David Petraeus' nomination was approved by the US Senate on Thursday night.

His new expanded role, which will begin in September, will see him take responsibility for operations and strategy in Afghanistan.

He will also have to deal with situations in Iran and Pakistan.

Gen Petraeus will take over from Admiral William Fallon, who resigned in March amid rumours of a rift over US government policies on Iran.

He was the man responsible for the 'surge' in Iraq, which has been credited with reducing the number of monthly deaths in the country.

Lt-General Raymond Odierno will in turn take Gen Petraeus' place as the head of US military operations in Iraq.