By Xinhua
Washington : The US is considering the possibility of sending some 3,000 more troops to Afghanistan to make up a force shortage in case of a Taliban spring offensive, the Pentagon said.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrel said Wednesday that Defence Secretary Roberts Gates had the plan on his table but a decision would not be made this week.
He said the commanders on ground had requested additional troops. The commanders said 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 US troops in Afghanistan and the worsening security situation there prompted US commanders to request reinforcements.
Other NATO members are reluctant to provide more forces.