Numbers of US troops at Shannon to increase

THE number of US troops using Shannon Airport will increase dramatically in the coming days as the American Army reinforces its numbers in the Gulf.

It is estimated upwards of 1,500 troops will pass through the airport each day during the next few weeks. In the region of 40,000 troops will travel via Shannon in a move that is likely to heighten security fears.

Any escalation in the use of Shannon is set to result in further protests from anti-war campaigners. This will increase security worries at the airport which is already protected by the army and gardaí.