London expects the U.S. will make finally public its troop strategy in Afghanistan next week, with a possible “substantial uplift” in personnel numbers.

British Secretary of State For Defense Bob Ainsworth, told the Parliament’s Defense Committee Nov.24 he hoped: “the American administration will make an announcement next week, but I can’t say that for definite, it's with the president of the United States of America…We are talking to them. I’m talking defense secretary to defense secretary, and I know the prime minister has been talking at that level.”

There are reports from the U.S. that Washington may announce a 34,000 increase in troop numbers.

Ainsworth says that in response to a US increase then partner nations also involved in operations in Afghanistan will also commit additional forces. The British Secretary of State for Defense told the committee this number would likely total in excess of 5,000 personnel.

London is preparing to commit another 500 military to the force of 9,000 already involved in war in Afghanistan.

“I think that we can expect, and maybe not immediately, but over the initial period, the next few months contributions from a wide range of countries – I’m hopeful that additional to whatever – and if the Americans make the announcement – and give the commitment for a substantial uplift I think the allies between them can probably get to in excess of 5,000 as an additional contribution.”

Picture Credit Cpl Rupert Frere/Crown Copyright