CIA chief Petraeus resigns over extramarital affair

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director David Petraeus resigned on Friday because of an extramarital affair, bringing an end to a brilliant career that included pivotal roles as a military commander in United States (US) wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair," Petraeus said in a message to CIA staff.

"Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organisation such as ours." Mr Michael Morell, Mr Petraeus's deputy at the US spy agency, will serve as acting director. President Barack Obama expressed his "utmost confidence" in Morell's leadership at the CIA.

MrPetraeus, 60, took over the helm of CIA just over a year ago in September 2011 after retiring as a four star US Army general, easily the most celebrated military leader of his generation.