Britain To Send More Troops To Afghanistan

(RFE/RL) 26 January 2006 -- Britain's Defense Secretary John Reid is expected to make an announcement today about Britain's plans to deploy more troops to Afghanistan.

Yesterday, Reid said he had not yet made a final decision on the number that will be sent.

British news reports have said Britain is expected to deploy between 3,000 and 4,000 more troops as NATO seeks to expand its mission into the south of Afghanistan. Britain currently has about 1,000 troops in the country.

Britain is due to take over command of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in May. British forces are also due to lead a provincial reconstruction team in southern Helmand province.

(compiled from agency reports)