DATE=3/18/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN / AFGHANISTAN (S-O)

NUMBER=2-287698

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Britain has announced the deployment of 17-hundred infantrymen to Afghanistan. We get more from Correspondent Michael Drudge in London.

TEXT: British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon has told parliament the additional British troops are needed because the threat "remains very high" from al-Qaida and Taleban fighters in Afghanistan.

Mr. Hoon said the United States had formally requested the troops for what will be Britain's biggest combat deployment since the 1991 Gulf War.

/// HOON ACT ///

It is important that the House (of Commons) is under no illusions of what this might involve. These troops are being deployed to Afghanistan to take part in war-fighting operations. We will be asking them to risk their lives.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Hoon says the first troops will arrive in a few days, and the infantry brigade will be ready for combat operations by mid-April. (SIGNED).

NEB/MWD/KL/RAE