Tommy Franks calls it a day

General Tommy Franks, who planned and commanded the American-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is to retire, defence officials said today.

Franks won high praise from President George Bush and Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld for his handling of the operation to oust Saddam Hussein.

The 57-year-old Texan, comes to the end of his three year term as head of the military’s Central Command in July.

He had been offered promotion.