British marine commander in Afghanistan to be replaced amid furor

LONDON (AP) The commander of the British marine forces in Afghanistan is to be replaced after claims that he mishandled operations, lost the confidence of his men and infuriated British and U.S. officials.

The Ministry of Defense said Monday that Brig. Gen. Roger Lane will be moved next month to unspecified staff duties after ending his current assignment in Afghanistan. Brig. Gen. Jim Dutton will then take over as commander of the 3 Commando Brigade.

The government said the decision was not related to controversy surrounding Lane. A Ministry of Defense statement said the change was needed to give the Royal Marines ''more choice'' in personnel planning.

After the move dominated the news headlines Monday morning, the government later said the decision was made in February, but did not explain why it was announced Monday. A spokesman in Afghanistan said the changeover had been long planned.