British troops set to support US in Iraqi dangerzone

BRITAIN yesterday said it will respond soon to a US request to send troops to more dangerous areas of Iraq, a politically charged issue that has revived anger over Prime Minister Tony Blair’s support for the war.

“The US request is for a limited number of UK ground forces to be made available to relieve US forces, to allow them in turn to participate in further operations elsewhere in Iraq to maintain the continuing pressure on terrorists,” Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told parliament yesterday.

Mr Hoon said British troops would not be required in the flashpoint areas of Baghdad or Fallujah.