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US increases Afghan troop pledge US increases Afghan troop pledge
(30 minutes later)
The chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff has said up to 30,000 additional troops could be sent to Afghanistan next year, more than had been expected. The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff has said up to 30,000 additional troops could be sent to Afghanistan next year, more than had been expected.
"Some 20 to 30,000 is the window of overall increase from where we are right now," Adm Mike Mullen said."Some 20 to 30,000 is the window of overall increase from where we are right now," Adm Mike Mullen said.
The timeframe of deployment has also been shortened, with the reinforcements set to arrive by summer at the latest. The timeframe of deployment has also been shortened, with reinforcements set to arrive by summer at the latest.
On Friday, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates ordered the deployment of a combat aviation brigade in January. On Friday, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates ordered the deployment of a combat aviation brigade by spring.
The top US and Nato commander in Afghanistan, Gen David McKiernan, has requested at least 20,000 extra troops.
There are currently 31,000 US troops in the country, 14,000 of whom are part of the 51,000-strong Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf).There are currently 31,000 US troops in the country, 14,000 of whom are part of the 51,000-strong Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf).
Fresh impetus
Speaking to reporters after a visit to the Afghan capital, Adm Mullen revealed that the US planned to as much as double its military presence by the middle of 2009.
"Some 20 to 30,000 is the window of overall increase from where we are right now. I don't have an exact number," he told reporters.
When we get additional troops here, I think the violence level is going to go up... The fight will be tougher Adm Mike Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff
"We've agreed on the requirement and so it's really clear to me we're going to fill that requirement so it's not a matter of if, but when."
"We're looking to get them here in the spring, but certainly by the beginning of summer at the latest," he added.
Earlier statements from the US government and military had suggested about 20,000 troops would be sent, a number which was in line with the minimum requested by the top US and Nato commander in Afghanistan, Gen David McKiernan.
Adm Mullen said most of the reinforcements were likely to be sent to southern Afghanistan to bolster British, Canadian and Dutch troops.
"That's where the toughest fight is," he said. "When we get additional troops here, I think the violence level is going to go up. The fight will be tougher."
The deployment of additional troops was "directly tied" to the gradual withdrawal from Iraq over the course of the next year, he added.
Adm Mullen said that after those forces were there, only improvements in Afghanistan's governance and economic situation would affect the strength of the insurgency.
The BBC's Martin Patience in Kabul says the announcement adds fresh US impetus to the conflict in Afghanistan, where US and Nato-led forces are fighting a fierce counter-insurgency campaign against the Taleban.
Already, an additional 3,000 US troops are expected to arrive in January and reports suggest they will be stationed in Wardak and Logar provinces, which neighbour Kabul and have seen fierce fighting in recent months.