The British government refused a request for a troop surge in Afghanistan, the former head of the army said today.
General Sir Richard Dannatt said a call for 2,000 extra British soldiers was rejected earlier this year, leaving the Army to fight the Taliban with “at least part of one arm” tied behind its back.
In an interview with the Sunnewspaper as he takes up his new post of Constable of the Tower of London, Sir Richard said he was "disappointed" with ministers' support for the army.
“The military advice has been for an uplift since the beginning of 2009. If the military says we need more troops and we can supply them, then frankly they should take that advice and deploy up to the level we recommend.
“If it means finding more resources and putting more energy in, let’s do it. If you’re going to conduct an operation, you’re doing it for a reason - to succeed. Don’t let’s do it with at least part of one arm tied behind one’s back.”
He added: “That said, we have gone from 8,000 to 9,000 this year - albeit with 700 as a temporary surge.”
PA