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23/02/2007
More British troops to be sent to Afghanistan
More than 1,000 extra British troops are to be sent to Afghanistan, it has been reported.
Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to announce details of the new deployment to the House of Commons on Monday.
There are currently 5,600 British troops in Afghanistan, as part of Nato's 35,000-strong International Security Assistance.
Both Nato and British commanders have complained that more troops are needed in order to defeat the Taliban.
The reports follow the government's announcement that around 1,600 British troops would be withdrawn from Iraq over the coming months.
Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Nick Harvey welcomed the attempt to bolster efforts in Afghanistan, but warned that the British Army was "severely overstretched". He said: "Any hope of maintaining our commitments to Afghanistan relies on us being able to get our troops out of Iraq.
"There must be clear objectives and clear aims, rather than the confusion that has surrounded much of the mission.
"It is vital that pressure is kept up on other Nato countries to ensure that they pull their weight. Failure would be disastrous both for Afghanistan and the alliance."
(KMcA)
Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to announce details of the new deployment to the House of Commons on Monday.
There are currently 5,600 British troops in Afghanistan, as part of Nato's 35,000-strong International Security Assistance.
Both Nato and British commanders have complained that more troops are needed in order to defeat the Taliban.
The reports follow the government's announcement that around 1,600 British troops would be withdrawn from Iraq over the coming months.
Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Nick Harvey welcomed the attempt to bolster efforts in Afghanistan, but warned that the British Army was "severely overstretched". He said: "Any hope of maintaining our commitments to Afghanistan relies on us being able to get our troops out of Iraq.
"There must be clear objectives and clear aims, rather than the confusion that has surrounded much of the mission.
"It is vital that pressure is kept up on other Nato countries to ensure that they pull their weight. Failure would be disastrous both for Afghanistan and the alliance."
(KMcA)
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21 August 2006
British soldier dies in Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a British soldier died in Afghanistan on Sunday. The soldier who has not yet been named, from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, died as a result of injuries sustained during a fire fight in Sangin, northern Helmand Province at around midday local time.
British soldier dies in Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a British soldier died in Afghanistan on Sunday. The soldier who has not yet been named, from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, died as a result of injuries sustained during a fire fight in Sangin, northern Helmand Province at around midday local time.
07 September 2006
Commander calls for more Nato troops for Afghanistan
Nato's top commander has urged member nations to provide more troops in Afghanistan to support the current battle against Taliban militants. General James Jones said that the military alliance had been surprised by the "level of intensity" of attacks in southern Afghanistan since Nato troops moved into the region in July.
Commander calls for more Nato troops for Afghanistan
Nato's top commander has urged member nations to provide more troops in Afghanistan to support the current battle against Taliban militants. General James Jones said that the military alliance had been surprised by the "level of intensity" of attacks in southern Afghanistan since Nato troops moved into the region in July.
15 June 2006
More troops sent to Afghanistan
The British government is to increase the size of the contingent of troops serving in Afghanistan. The move comes to reinforce positions around the Kandahar airfield with an extra 130 troops from the RAF Regiment.
More troops sent to Afghanistan
The British government is to increase the size of the contingent of troops serving in Afghanistan. The move comes to reinforce positions around the Kandahar airfield with an extra 130 troops from the RAF Regiment.
03 July 2006
More troops for Afghanistan
More British troops are to be sent to Afghanistan, amid increased fighting with Taliban fighters, according to reports.
More troops for Afghanistan
More British troops are to be sent to Afghanistan, amid increased fighting with Taliban fighters, according to reports.
11 August 2003
Nato troops to back up UN mission to Afghanistan
In its first operation outside of the Euro-Atlantic area, Nato is set to provide "top-level support" to the UN peacekeeping force deployed in and around the Afghan capital, Kabul. Nato's new role includes giving political and military direction to the UN's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Nato troops to back up UN mission to Afghanistan
In its first operation outside of the Euro-Atlantic area, Nato is set to provide "top-level support" to the UN peacekeeping force deployed in and around the Afghan capital, Kabul. Nato's new role includes giving political and military direction to the UN's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
