More troops in Iraq
120 British troops from the 2nd Light Infantry will be deployed to Iraq from a base in Cyprus this weekend, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The soldiers will help in peacekeeping operations.
The MoD has denied the move is connected with Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon’s decision to re-examine troop levels in the country.
The extra troops were planned back in August, the MoD reported.
The news comes as Foreign Secretary Jack Straw reportedly urged the PM to boost numbers or risk “strategic failure.”
The rumour mill has it that numbers could rise to 15,000 with an announcement coming as earlier as next week, when the Commons resumes for a short session.
Fifty UK soldiers have died since the war started, with 11 killed since May 1st when US President George W Bush announced the end of major hostilities.
Britain currently has 10,500 troops in Iraq and the US around 140,000.
More troops for Iraq
