British govt to almost double number of its troops in Afghanistan

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



Taliban and Islamic State insurgents.

The extra troops will be taking part in a NATO-led training mission, called Resolute Support, to train and assist Afghan forces. They will be based in Kabul and will not be in a combat role. British troops ended combat operations in 2014.

The announcement comes the day before a NATO summit in Belgium.