US General David Petraeus has briefly collapsed at a Capitol Hill hearing, most likely from dehydration, before regaining his composure.
Petraeus, who is in charge of US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, appeared to slump over his seat on Tuesday before being helped by aides and walking out of the room.
The 57-year-old had finished telling Senator John McCain that he believed the planned 2011 pullout of US troops in Afghanistan remained on track, and McCain was responding when the room fell silent and aides began crowding around the four-star general.
The fitness fanatic who was treated for prostate cancer last year, later said he became "light headed" during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing and was a little dehydrated.
"It wasn't Senator McCain's questions," he joked later, telling reporters after recovering that he ate a couple of bananas and felt better.
The general has had a high-profile career, and many believe he is the leading candidate to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He commanded all forces in Iraq under President George W Bush.
The hearing was adjourned and will resume on Wednesday.
