Britain sending more troops to Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Des Browne announced Monday that 230 more British troops are going to Afghanistan, bringing the country's troop strength there to more than 8,000.

Browne told the House of Commons that 230 new troops include engineers, logistical staff and military trainers. Browne said the increase "means our mission is expanding" to include a greater emphasis on building the capacity of Afghan forces.

There are currently 7,800 British troops in the country, most based in Helmand province in the south.

A total of 102 British troops have died in Afghanistan since 2001 _ most in fighting with a resurgent Taliban since 2006.

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