US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel Resigns From His Position

KABUL: (Middle East Press) US President Barack Obama has confirmed the resignation of Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, Who requested last month to leave Pentagon’s top position.

According to US media, Hagel was pressured by Obama to leave, as Pentagon embarks on a new strategy to deal with the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL).

Announcing the resignation on Monday at the White House, Obama, who was flanked by Hagel and Vice President Joe Biden, praised the departing defence secretary, describing him as “exemplary”.

“When I asked Chuck to serve as secretary of defence we were entering an important period of transition: the drawdown in Afghanistan, the need to prepare our forces for future missions and tough fiscal choices to keep our military strong and prepared,” Obama said.

According to officials, Hagel, who was the only Republican on the US national security group, struggled to improve his ties with parliament after a contentious 2013 confirmation hearing. He submitted his resignation letter after lengthy discussions with Obama that began in October.

“It’s been the greatest privilege of my life to lead and – most important – to serve with the men and women of the Defense Department and support their families. I am massively proud of what we have accomplished during this time,” Hagel said.

He will continue in the job until his successor is selected by the US Senate.