Shanahan next acting US defence secretary

KABUL (Pajhwok): US defense secretary Jim Mattis, who is due to leave his post on January 1, is being replaced by his deputy Patrick Shanahan as acting secretary.

Mattis resigned three days ago in protest over President Donald Trump’s decision to pull all US troops out of Syria.

Mattis originally said he would stay through February to ensure an orderly transition but officials said the fallout of his decision to leave – including the shock and dismay expressed on Capitol Hill – annoyed Trump and likely led to Mattis leaving earlier than planned.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Buccino, a spokesman for Shanahan, said the former Boeing executive will accept the appointment as acting secretary.

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