WASHINGTON, March 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. commander in Afghanistan and President Hamid Karzai have urged Australia to boost its troop numbers in the country.
The Australian, in a report from the country, said the urging came Thursday during a meeting between Gen. Dan McNeil, Karzai and visiting Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who said Canberra was considering such an increase.
Australia, a staunch ally of the United States in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, currently has 550 soldiers in the country, mainly in the south, where Taliban activity is on the rise.
The Taliban, former rulers of Afghanistan and allies of al-Qaida, are expected to launch a spring offensive against U.S. and NATO forces in the country.
The report said "it is understood both the U.S. and Afghan forces are keen for the return of the elite SAS forces to Afghanistan, where they have distinguished themselves in operations against the Taliban and terrorists."
The SAS stands for Special Air Services, an elite commando unit.
The report said Howard during his visit also said Australia had no intention of reducing its troop commitment in Iraq and would soon send additional personnel to help train Iraqi troops.
