This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/8167615.stm
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Extra troops set for Afghanistan | Extra troops set for Afghanistan |
| (9 minutes later) | |
| An extra 125 servicemen and women are to be deployed to Afghanistan to replace troops who have died, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced. | |
| The move follows calls from commanders on the ground for more troops, as well as equipment for them. | The move follows calls from commanders on the ground for more troops, as well as equipment for them. |
| UK forces are currently engaged in a major offensive - known as Operation Panther's Claw - against insurgent strongholds in Helmand. | UK forces are currently engaged in a major offensive - known as Operation Panther's Claw - against insurgent strongholds in Helmand. |
| In the past month, 19 British servicemen have died there. | In the past month, 19 British servicemen have died there. |
| Mr Ainsworth said: "I have always said that I will listen to the view of commanders on the ground in Afghanistan - they are the people best placed to know the resources needed for that operation. | Mr Ainsworth said: "I have always said that I will listen to the view of commanders on the ground in Afghanistan - they are the people best placed to know the resources needed for that operation. |
| "In this case they have told me that, after the sad and tragic casualty rate that we have suffered in recent weeks, reinforcements are necessary to ensure we can maintain our operational tempo and consolidate the real progress we have made. | "In this case they have told me that, after the sad and tragic casualty rate that we have suffered in recent weeks, reinforcements are necessary to ensure we can maintain our operational tempo and consolidate the real progress we have made. |
| "These additional troops will ensure we have sufficient troop levels and, crucially, the right specialist skills in theatre. | "These additional troops will ensure we have sufficient troop levels and, crucially, the right specialist skills in theatre. |
| "Many of our brave young men have died fighting to protect our national interest in Afghanistan and I will not allow their sacrifices to have been in vain." | "Many of our brave young men have died fighting to protect our national interest in Afghanistan and I will not allow their sacrifices to have been in vain." |