The Gates of Hell

Source: Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

The top U.S. general in Afghanistan said more American troops are needed quickly in that country to quell rising violence by Taliban and al-Qaeda insurgents.

Army General David McKiernan said the U.S. and its allies will need to beef up forces until the Afghan army and government reach a “tipping point” in their ability to combat insurgents.

McKiernan, briefing reporters at the Pentagon, said he believes at least four additional combat brigades, plus support forces, will be needed in Afghanistan in the near term. An Army combat brigade typically contains about 3,500 soldiers.

“We’re facing a tougher threat right now,” McKiernan said. “The additional military capabilities that have been asked for are needed as quickly as possible.”

There are currently about 33,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, according to the Defense Department.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 at 3:38 pm and is filed under Wars and Rumors of Wars. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.