Britain confirms sending troops to Afghanistan

LONDON, Oct 26 (Reuters) Armed forces minister Adam Ingram today said Britain was sending in troops for use as ground forces in Afghanistan.

Ingram, speaking to parliament, said 200 royal marine commandos would be put aboard the assault ship hms fearless "as the lead element of an immediately available force to help support operations".

Another 400 commandos will return to Britain from Oman after taking part there in the military exercise operation swift sword but they will be held "at a high readiness to return to the theatre should our operational needs make that necessary."