More British troops sent to Iraq

LONDON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Britain said it is sending more troops -- about 1,500 soldiers -- to Iraq following an increase in terrorist bombings.

British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon has confirmed two additional battalions will be deployed, Sky News reported.

Fifty soldiers from the United Kingdom have been killed in Iraq since the end of heavy combat operations in May.

"This response is not a knee-jerk response to recent attacks. It's part of a strategic plan," said a spokesman for British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Some 120 servicemen were sent to Iraq from Cyprus at the weekend despite concerns that the armed forces are being stretched thin, Sky News said.