LONDON, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- British Defense Secretary John Hutton announced Tuesday specifics on troop deployments to Afghanistan that support an increase in troop levels.
Hutton announced that the 19 Light Brigade will be deployed to Afghanistan in April on a six-month tour replacing the Three Commando Brigade, Royal Marines. The planned troop deployment follows an announcement by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to increase the level of troops in Afghanistan to address the growing level of the Taliban insurgency, the British Ministry of Defense reported.
The troop increase, by a modest 300 soldiers, is expected to bring the number of British troops operating in Afghanistan to 8,300. Hutton also announced Tuesday that soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, the Theater Reserve Battalion, will meet short-term operational needs in Afghanistan.
Hutton said part of the troop increase is to support security operations in the "period of preparation for Afghan elections," the release said.
