BRITAIN: The Defence Secretary, Mr Geoff Hoon, yesterday confirmed Britain would lead the international security force supporting the interim administration in Afghanistan, but only for three months, writes Rachel Donnelly, in London
At full strength, up to 1,800 British troops will take part in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) which will draw 5,000 troops from 17 countries. Some advance forces are already in place in Afghanistan with British and French troops patrolling in Kabul and the full contingent of British troops is expected to be in place by mid-February.
There are 440 British military personnel currently in Afghanistan. In addition to Britain's contribution to ISAF, Mr Hoon told MPs in the Commons that 300 army and air force personnel would be sent to Kabul to assist in the repair and operation of the city's international airport.
Confirming Britain's lead role in ISAF for the first three months, with Turkey expected to take control thereafter, Mr Hoon said the international force would operate only in Kabul and would carry out joint patrols with Afghan police. Other tasks would include assisting the interim administration in developing security structures. After handing over control of ISAF there would be a "significant" reduction in the number of British troops deployed in Afghanistan, but Mr Hoon stressed that did not mean Britain's commitment to assist ISAF and rebuild the country would end.