UK to send almost 900 more troops to Afghanistan

LONDON, July 10 (Reuters) Britain plans to send almost 900 more troops and additional helicopters to support its soldiers in southern Afghanistan, Defence Minister Des Browne today said.

The reinforcements, to be deployed between now and October, come after military commanders asked last week for more backup. Six British soldiers have died fighting Taliban guerrillas in the south of the country in the past four weeks.

The first troops will be rushed in from Cyprus within days, defence sources said.

The new troops will be a mix of engineers, Royal Marines, infantry batallions and headquarters staff, Browne said.

''As a result of today's announcement, the steady-state size of the Helmand Taskforce will increase between now and October from some 3,600 to some 4,500 personnel,'' he told parliament.

Browne said the additional forces would put increased pressure on Britain's air power in Afghanistan.

''We have already increased the flying hours available for attack and support helicopters, as requested by commanders, and today I can say we will also be making more support helicopters available,'' he added.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said earlier on Monday Britain's mission in southern Afghanistan was ''dangerous and difficult''.

British troops are spearheading a major expansion of NATO peacekeepers into volatile areas in the south of the country, areas which have seen some of the worst fighting since U.S.-backed forces toppled the Taliban in 2001.

Reuters SY DB2236