Gina Haspel is all set to become the first female director of the CIA, despite her role in the spy agency's controversial interrogation techniques, including waterboarding, post the 9/11 terror attacks.
The United States Senate yesterday voted 54-45 to confirm the 61-year-old veteran as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Haspel, facing allegations from opposition Democratic Senators and human rights bodies for her alleged role in CIA's interrogation programme post 9/11, was confirmed by the Senate after six Democratic senators supported President Donald Trump's nominee.
Prominent among those was Senator Mark Warner, Ranking Member of the Senate Select Intelligence Committee.
Haspel once oversaw a so-called black site in Thailand after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the US.
"Congratulations to our new CIA Director, Gina Haspel!" Trump tweeted soon thereafter.
Haspel will be the first woman to lead the spy agency in its 70-year history.
A career CIA official for more than three decades now, Haspel, is expected to be sworn in shortly as the top American spymaster.
She worked in Africa, Europe and classified locations around the globe and was tapped as deputy director of the CIA last year. She worked under former CIA director Mike Pompeo until President Trump moved him to be his Secretary of State.
During her career in the CIA, Haspel has worked in various capacities and has been stationed clandestinely overseas including her stint in Africa, wherein in the 80s she assisted Mother Teresa in humanitarian assistance.
"Gina has clearly demonstrated that she is a person of high integrity with valuable frontline and executive experience as a career intelligence officer.