RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has offered his support to U.S. and NATO commanders' requests for additional U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
While Gates explained the request for troops will now be examined by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace, he indicated his support of adding U.S. troops to fight the growing Taliban insurgency, The New York Times reported.
"There's no reason to sit back and let the Taliban regroup," Gates said. "I think it's very important that we not let this success in Afghanistan slip away from us."
With U.S. troop levels in Iraq sitting at nearly 132,000 and an additional 21,000 being considered, many military officials support adding to the current 21,000 troops in Afghanistan.
Pace has already offered mild support to the concept, saying any troop increases would assist in limiting the short-term strain on currently deployed U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
The Times said the Pentagon will now determine whether any troops are available for deployment while military leaders decide what roles those forces would take if approved.
