Tuesday, February 27, 2007

UK shifts focus to Afghanistan


British forces in Afghanistan are set to increase to 7,300 personnel. The UK government’s Defence Secretary, Des Browne, today announced 1400 extra British troops would soon be deployed to Afghanistan. But he said that every NATO partner should do more. He said only a small number of key allies were prepared to take part in continued effort against the Taleban. But he said the mission was vital and in the national interest. The announcement comes less than a week since Tony Blair said a significant number of troops would be withdrawn from Iraq with remaining personnel deployed to Basra airport to be used only in a supporting role [BBC]

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