Britain Prepares to Send Up to 2,000 More Troops to Afghanistan Amid US Led Mission Surge

General Sir Richard Dannatt, the head of the Army, has revealed that elements of 12 Mechanised Brigade have been "earmarked for Afghanistan" as the US-led mission gears up for a significant reinforcement. This comes as President Obama is set to announce an extra 17,000 US troops and a substantial increase in civilian officials as part of his new strategy in Afghanistan.

General Dannatt stated that while the whole brigade of around 4,000 troops is not being considered, a surge of up to 2,000 extra British troops could be sent to Afghanistan. This would bring the total British troop strength to 10,000, with Cabinet approval required for such a decision. Amid fears that the US-led mission may struggle without additional reinforcements, Downing Street is engaged in discussions about a surge. The British government is also urging Europe to contribute more troops, with Defence Secretary John Hutton emphasizing that it is in Britain's interests "to do more".

Key Takeaways:

• Britain's troop strength in Afghanistan could increase by up to 2,000, taking it to around 10,000.
• Elements of 12 Mechanised Brigade, which had been standing down due to deployment to Iraq, have been earmarked for deployment to Afghanistan.
• The decision for a surge would require Cabinet approval.
• The US-led mission is facing pressure to receive significant reinforcements, with elements of 12 Mechanised Brigade being prepared for deployment.
• President Obama is set to announce an extra 17,000 US troops and increased civilian officials as part of his new strategy in Afghanistan.
• The UK is urging Europe to contribute more troops to the mission.
• General Dannatt has stated that there are no plans to send the entire 12 Mechanised Brigade to Afghanistan.

Statistics:

• Britain's current troop strength in Afghanistan: ix
• Expected troop strength after surge: up to 10,000
• Number of US troops to be deployed: 17,000
• Number of Afghan National Army recruits to be trained: to be doubled
• Increase in aid to fight militants in neighboring Pakistan: unspecified
• Total British troop strength if full brigade is deployed: over 12,000

Sources:

• The Times - "Army chief: Britain ready to send up to 2,000 more troops to Afghanistan"
• Quotation from General Sir Richard Dannatt from an interview with The Times
• Downing Street and Ministry of Defence announcements
• Statement from President Obama on his new strategy in Afghanistan
• Defence Secretary John Hutton's call for European nations to contribute more troops to the mission.