Extra (U.K.) troops set for Afghanistan

[Coventina]

Source: BBC

An extra 125 servicemen and women are to be deployed to Afghanistan to replace troops who have died, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced.

The move follows calls from commanders on the ground for more troops, as well as equipment for them.

UK forces are currently engaged in a major offensive - known as Operation Panther's Claw - against insurgent strongholds in Helmand.

In the past month, 19 British servicemen have died there.

Mr Ainsworth said: "I have always said that I will listen to the view of commanders on the ground in Afghanistan - they are the people best placed to know the resources needed for that operation.

"In this case they have told me that, after the sad and tragic casualty rate that we have suffered in recent weeks, reinforcements are necessary to ensure we can maintain our operational tempo and consolidate the real progress we have made.



Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8167615.stm