John Brennan confirmed as CIA director

WASHINGTON: The US Senate on Thursday confirmed counterterrorism expert John Brennan to be the next CIA director, filling a third crucial position on President Barack Obama's national security team.

The Senate voted 63-34 with several Republicans flocking to approve Brennan following a dramatic 13-hour filibuster the night before by Republican Rand Paul over concern about the possible use of drones to conduct targeted killings on US soil.