Gen. David Petraeus, gave the command of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan to Marine Gen. John Allen, Monday (18 / 7). Petraeus handed his post as head of international forces in Afghanistan to carry out duties as Director of the Intelligence Service of the United States CIA.
In a ceremony held outside the headquarters of international forces in Kabul, Petraeus delivered his farewell speech. He said coalition forces have scored major successes by seizing the momentum of the insurgents in Afghanistan also retake Kandahar and Helmand from the hands of Taliban militants.
His successor, Allen promised not to reduce the intensity of the coalition attack. He was ready to take over responsibility for security in several provinces in Afghanistan.
"It is my intention to maintain this momentum," said Allen.
The ceremony was also attended by senior U.S. military officials, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen. Mullen also had praised Petraeus for 37 years service in the U.S. military.
"Dave has set the standard for the command of war in the modern era. No one was able to defeat him in the scope of the efforts of the armed forces represent us very well," Mullen said.