NATO Head Steps Back From Afghan Troop Increase

The head of NATO has stepped back from promising more troops to Afghanistan - amid the country's worsening security situation.

At the weekend, Jens Stoltenberg suggested more personnel, including British troops, could be deployed there.

However, speaking in the European Parliament, the NATO Secretary General suggested there are better ways forward:

"If there is one lesson we have learned... in the long run it is much better if we are able to train local forces to stabilise their own country, to fight terrorism themselves."

An attack on a NATO convoy yesterday in the capital, Kabul, highlighted security issues facing Afghanistan.

Eight civilians were killed and three US soldiers wounded in the explosion, since claimed by IS.

Recent talks between the American and Afghan governments are thought to have seen demand from Kabul for reinforcements to the 13,000 NATO forces based in Afghanistan.

Among them are 500 British personnel involved in training and mentoring.

At the weekend, Secretary General Stoltenberg had told a German newspaper that plans were being drawn up to see extra forces deployed.

Last week, the US confirmed it had deployed some if its forces in Afghanistan to Helmand Province, to help local forces fight back against the Taliban.