British troops needed in Afghanistan 'in days'
British troops should deploy in Afghanistan ‘‘within days’’ to ensure the urgent humanitarian mission can get under way, British International Development Secretary Clare Short said today.
With the Taliban continuing to crumble, ‘‘speed is of the essence’’ to ensure their former territory is safe for aid workers to return to.
A six-strong team of humanitarian experts will be sent to Mazar-e-Sharif at the weekend, Ms Short announced at a Downing Street press conference.
But mass deployment of troops was needed to ensure effective action, the Cabinet minister said.
‘‘We need troops on the ground, both bringing order and bringing reassurance to the Afghan people who are haunted by what happened when the Soviets withdrew,’’ she said.
‘‘We need to move in days.’’
