UK 'stretched' in Afghanistan
2006-09-13 22:20
London - British troops in Afghanistan are dangerously overstretched and need to be reinforced, but waiting for Nato allies to commit extra forces will put soldiers at risk, according to one of Britain's most prominent
former officers.
Colonel Tim Collins, who rose to national prominence with an
inspirational speech to his men during the 2003 Iraq invasion,
said London must act alone if Nato troops are not forthcoming.
"A substantial reinforcement - a further brigade - could
bring a conclusion. If this doesn't happen, the situation will
remain static or could get worse," he said in an interview.
A British army brigade typically consists of between 3 000
and 5 000 soldiers. Just over 5 000 British troops currently
operate in Afghanistan. Thirty-nine have died.
Troops at risk
Collins, 46, who was the officer commanding first battalion,
the Royal Irish Regiment at the time of the Iraq invasion, said
Britain was right to pressure its allies for extra forces, but
wrong if it intends to wait.
"Nato forces should make further contributions, but our
soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan cannot wait while that is
being decided," he said. "Waiting for our Nato allies to deliver
the goods could put our troops at risk."
Bloody combat with Taliaban
US Dutch and Canadian troops are also in the dangerous
south of the country but so far other nations have failed to
heed calls to send significant numbers of troops.
Nato troops have been drawn into bloody combat with the
Taliban insurgents in recent weeks and commanders on the ground
have voiced concerns about troop capacity.
The Taliban are now at their most active since they were
toppled by US led forces in the wake of the September 11 2001
attacks by the group's al-Qaeda allies.