Marines set to patrol Kabul within days

Up to 200 Royal Marine commandos are expected to be on the streets of Kabul by Saturday.

It will coincide with the new interim Afghan administration assuming power.

They will form the lead element of a multinational stabilisation force, expected to number 3,000 to 5,000, to be deployed under the terms of the Bonn agreement on Afghanistan's future.

The troops, from 40 Commando, will be drawn from the force currently securing the Bagram airbase.

It will also include those being held on the assault ship HMS Fearless in readiness for operations in Afghanistan.

Tony Blair says Britain is prepared to lead the force and commit up to 1,500 troops.

British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon will make a further statement on the composition of the force in the House of Commons tomorrow.