Menu
26/01/2006
UK to send 5,700 troops to Afghanistan
The UK is to send almost 5,000 extra troops to Afghanistan by July in a £1 billion three-year deployment.
Following Cabinet agreement Defence Secretary John Reid announced the move to send a "potent force" to Afghanistan in the House of Commons this afternoon.
The force being deployed will include helicopter gunships in an expanded "protect and deter" role in the southern region of Helmand.
Speaking to the House, the Defence Secretary said: "The size and structure of the task-force has been guided by a careful assessment of the likely tasks and threats it will face.
"What matters is that we put the right forces in to do the job, and to do it safely, and to do it well. I make no apology if that has required more soldiers than some people initially envisaged."
Mr Reid said it was not a "counter terrorism" operation, but was designed to prevent "achievements" being lost and the region and letting it become a sanctuary for terrorists. "We have seen where that leads, be it New York or London," he said.
Most of the UK contingent will be based in the Helmand area which is a hotbed of insurgent activity and a major opium growing region where allied forces have previously engaged in full-scale counter-insurgency measures.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Liam Fox said that his party would be holding the government to account on the troop deployment which he said could not be seen to "act and fail."
The major deployment of British troops comes as Nato forces in Afghanistan come under UK control in May.
As reconstruction efforts in the country continue, Taleban insurgents have adopted suicide car bombing tactics against US forces engaged in counter-terrorist activities in the southern region.
Some 850 British soldiers are currently serving in Afghanistan, mainly in the northern sector.
(SP/KMcA)
Following Cabinet agreement Defence Secretary John Reid announced the move to send a "potent force" to Afghanistan in the House of Commons this afternoon.
The force being deployed will include helicopter gunships in an expanded "protect and deter" role in the southern region of Helmand.
Speaking to the House, the Defence Secretary said: "The size and structure of the task-force has been guided by a careful assessment of the likely tasks and threats it will face.
"What matters is that we put the right forces in to do the job, and to do it safely, and to do it well. I make no apology if that has required more soldiers than some people initially envisaged."
Mr Reid said it was not a "counter terrorism" operation, but was designed to prevent "achievements" being lost and the region and letting it become a sanctuary for terrorists. "We have seen where that leads, be it New York or London," he said.
Most of the UK contingent will be based in the Helmand area which is a hotbed of insurgent activity and a major opium growing region where allied forces have previously engaged in full-scale counter-insurgency measures.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Liam Fox said that his party would be holding the government to account on the troop deployment which he said could not be seen to "act and fail."
The major deployment of British troops comes as Nato forces in Afghanistan come under UK control in May.
As reconstruction efforts in the country continue, Taleban insurgents have adopted suicide car bombing tactics against US forces engaged in counter-terrorist activities in the southern region.
Some 850 British soldiers are currently serving in Afghanistan, mainly in the northern sector.
(SP/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 August 2009
More Troops Killed in Afghanistan
Three British soldiers have died in an explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. These latest deaths bring the total number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since operations began to just one short of 200 fatalities.
More Troops Killed in Afghanistan
Three British soldiers have died in an explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. These latest deaths bring the total number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since operations began to just one short of 200 fatalities.
28 May 2009
Soldier Dies In Southern Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. The serviceman from the 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment was on an operation near Garmsir in Helmand Province, and next of kin have been informed.
Soldier Dies In Southern Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. The serviceman from the 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment was on an operation near Garmsir in Helmand Province, and next of kin have been informed.
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.
14 February 2012
Airman from Royal Air Force Killed In Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has announced an airman from the Royal Air Force Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on Monday. The airman was killed by small arms fire whilst on a routine partnered patrol in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province.
Airman from Royal Air Force Killed In Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has announced an airman from the Royal Air Force Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on Monday. The airman was killed by small arms fire whilst on a routine partnered patrol in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province.
11 June 2010
Cameron 'Grounded' By Taliban Threat
The PM, David Cameron has been forced to abandon a planned visit to British troops in a frontline base. The shock cancellation came amid fears that the Taliban were trying to bring down his helicopter - having claim to have downed one to deadly effect earlier this week.
Cameron 'Grounded' By Taliban Threat
The PM, David Cameron has been forced to abandon a planned visit to British troops in a frontline base. The shock cancellation came amid fears that the Taliban were trying to bring down his helicopter - having claim to have downed one to deadly effect earlier this week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
