13 November 2012 Last updated at 01:27 ET

David Petraeus CIA scandal engulfs US commander Allen

The Pentagon is investigating the US commander in Afghanistan, Gen John Allen, for sending potentially "inappropriate" emails to a woman linked to ex-CIA director David Petraeus, defence officials say.

Defence Secretary Leon Panetta says the FBI referred the matter to the Pentagon on Sunday.

Gen Allen, who denies any wrongdoing, will remain in his job.

David Petraeus resigned on Friday after admitting to an extramarital affair.

Mr Panetta said in a statement given to reporters flying with him to Australia that he asked that Gen Allen's nomination to be Commander of US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe be delayed and that President Barack Obama agreed.

He ordered a Pentagon investigation of Gen Allen on Monday.

Gen Allen is said to have sent the emails to Jill Kelley, a married socialite from Tampa, Florida. She had already been named in the Petraeus scandal after she told the FBI she had received anonymous harassing emails.

Mrs Kelley is said to have received threatening emails from Paula Broadwell, the woman with whom Mr Petraeus had an extramarital affair.

Source : bbc[dot]co[dot]uk