US sends more troops to Afghanistan

United States President, Barack Obama, has authorised the deployment of up to 17,000 extra troops to Afghanistan, saying they are to meet urgent security needs.



In a statement, Mr. Obama said two brigades, one army and one marine, are to be sent to Afghanistan.



This first major troop deployment under Mr. Obama comes as his administration reviews US policy in Afghanistan.



He has vowed to focus US military efforts on fighting the Taleban in Afghanistan, rather than on Iraq.