More Polish troops headed to Afghanistan

WARSAW, Poland, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Poland will send 600 more soldiers to Afghanistan next spring, the Polish Defense Ministry announced Friday.

The decision came after a call from U.S. General Stanley McChrystal who expects American allies to increase their forces by about 10 percent, Polish Radio reports.

"Americans are urging allies to send more troops because they are afraid that the Taliban fighters, cleared from other areas, will grow stronger in Ghanzi (province)," says Polish Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak.

After the additional troops, Poland will have 2,600 soldiers in Ghazni province and 200 in strategic reserve.

Army headquarters in Poland indicated 2,600 soldiers is the largest possible number the country can supply, Polish Radio says.