Britain to Almost Double Troops in Afghanistan After US Request

Britain to Almost Double Troops in Afghanistan After US Request
A British soldier looks through the scope of a machine gun to observe an area at Camp Qargha in Kabul, Afghanistan November 26, 2016. Reuters/Mohammad Ismail
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LONDON—The British government is planning to almost double the number of its troops in Afghanistan after a request from U.S. 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.