More UK troops to be sent to fight Taliban

London, Apr 7 : Britain is all set to send 450 more soldiers to Afghanistan and take control of its war-torn region for at least the next two years following pressure from the US, the Telegraph reported.

Senior Government figures are concerned that British voters need more convincing that the continued risks are justified, the paper said. Despite concerns that UK troops are already overstretched, British ministers are seriously considering a US request for Britain to take command of all NATO troops in southern Afghanistan for another two years and combat with the Taliban.

Defence officials believe the plan will require even more troops and they have drawn up proposals to send another 450 servicemen to Afghanistan -- taking British numbers there above 8,200.

In return, Britain has asked America to send more troops to Afghanistan early next year.

Canada currently holds the command of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, with the responsibility due to pass to the Netherlands for nine months from November.

Ninety-one British personnel have died in Afghanistan since 2001.

ANI