Britain to send 1000 more troops

Britain's troops in southern Afghanistan are to be heavily reinforced after a request from defence chiefs.

Defence Secretary Des Browne is to tell MPs this week that a force of up to 1000 soldiers, including combat troops and logistical support, will be urgently sent to the country.

Military commanders put in a formal request for extra support last week, after British forces in Helmand, Afghanistan's main opium poppy-growing area and one of the country's most lawless provinces, came under sustained attack from resurgent Taleban forces.

Six British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in the past three weeks. The Muslim funeral of one of them, Jabron Hashmi, was held yesterday in Birmingham.

The reinforcements are thought to be coming from the 16 Air Assault Brigade, which already forms the core of the 3300-strong force in Helmand. They will be backed by logistical staff, who will replace around 800 military engineers who have been building the main base at Lashkar Gah and forward bases in the province.

Browne acceded to the request for extra troops after visiting British personnel in Afghanistan and consulting the chiefs of staff. It follows a pledge from Prime Minister Tony Blair to respond positively to requests for more troops.

Since it was announced in January, Britain's expanded mission in Afghanistan has been prey to doubts about its objectives and the means needed to achieve them.

The Government had insisted that the troops in Helmand would support reconstruction efforts, and that he would be happy for them to complete their three-year mission without a shot being fired.

But their mere presence has acted as a magnet for the Taleban, drawing them into almost daily firefights.

- INDEPENDENT