British govt will double its troops

The British government is planning to almost double the number of its troops in Afghanistan after a request from US President Donald Trump for reinforcements to help tackle the fragile security situation there. Prime Minister Theresa May announced the government will send an extra 440 troops, which would bring Britain’s total to about 1,100, to help Afghan troops fighting the Taliban and Islamic State extremists. The extra troops will be from the Welsh Guards regiment, with around half deploying in August and a second contingent to follow in February.