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Obama 'to increase Afghan troops' Obama increases Afghan deployment
(20 minutes later)
President Barack Obama is expected to announce on Tuesday the deployment of an extra 12,000 US troops to Afghanistan, US defence officials say. President Barack Obama has authorised the deployment of at least 12,000 extra US troops to Afghanistan, saying they are to "meet urgent security needs".
The troops could be sent before warmer weather brings an expected increase in fighting, the officials said. Two brigades - one army and one marine - are to be sent, Mr Obama said in a statement released by the White House.
US commanders in Afghanistan have requested an increase of 30,000 troops. This first major troop deployment under Mr Obama comes as his administration reviews US policy in Afghanistan.
The troops are to be sent before warmer weather brings an expected increase in fighting, defence officials said.
The US already has about 14,000 troops serving with a Nato-led mission. There are also 19,000 US troops under sole US command fighting Taleban insurgents.The US already has about 14,000 troops serving with a Nato-led mission. There are also 19,000 US troops under sole US command fighting Taleban insurgents.
About 8,000 marines are to be sent and 4,000 army soldiers, US officials have said ahead of the expected official announcement by President Obama. US commanders in Afghanistan have requested 30,000 additional troops.
The announcement would be the major deployment of troops under Mr Obama, and comes as the White House is conducting a review of US policy in Afghanistan. Mr Obama said the increase "is necessary to stabilize a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan".