More US troops for Kabul

A brigade of 3,500-4,000 extra US troops due in Pak-Afghan border in January will be deployed to stop infiltration of militants. The brigade has been approved as part of requested US troop reinforcements for Afghanistan's fight against extremists that could amount to about 20,000 personnel. The first brigade will go into the Nato-led RC-East to stop militants entering Afghanistan. "Operation Lionheart" was launched this month along the border. The Afghan officials have called for extra troops on the border to fight a growing Taliban-led insurgency. Three combat brigades will total the 20,000 personnel requested, included will be intelligence and air power.