Washington  - The US Senate on Thursday confirmed General David Petraeus, the top US commander in Iraq, as the next head of US military operations in the Middle East.

The Senate voted 95-2 to confirm Petraeus as chief of US Central Command, which also oversees missions in north-east African and South Asia, including Afghanistan.

Lieutenant General Ray Odierno was approved by a 96-1 vote to replace Petraeus. Odierno has served as Petraeus' deputy in Iraq and is credited with successfully managing the troop surge strategy.

The generals are expected to take up their new posts this fall. (dpa)