The United States is inclined to send some 3,000 troops to Afghanistan to make up some force shortage in case of a Taliban spring offensive, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrel said Defense Secretary Roberts Gates had the plan on his table but a decision won't be made within this week.
He said the additional troops were requested by commanders on ground.
The commanders said that to fend off a possible Taliban offensive this spring, they probably need 7,500 troops.
Gates is inclined to approve some of them, which could be 3,000,including 2,200 marine combat troops and some 800 trainers for Afghan soldiers.
There are 26,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan and the worsening security situation there prompted U.S. commanders to request reinforcement.
Meanwhile, other NATO members are reluctant to provide more forces.
Source:Xinhua
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