UK Ministry of Defence,
The number of UK Forces personnel in Afghanistan will rise from around 3,600 to 4,500 by the autumn, following changes to the package of forces announced by Defence Secretary Des Browne today, 10 July 2006.
The changes are in response to a request by UK commanders for additional forces, so that they can secure early advances in the North of Helmand, whilst also being able to make progress in the centre of the province. The additional forces, drawn from all three Armed Services, will contribute to the same mission as before: rebuilding Afghanistan, strengthening its Government, security forces and legal system, and tackling its desperate poverty.
In a statement to the House, Defence Secretary Des Browne emphasised that UK Forces were not waging a narcotics war, for example destroying poppy fields – they were helping to create the conditions of security and development in which the narcotics industry would be weakened, and eventually driven out by the Afghans themselves.
The full text of Mr Browne
