US to Urge Nato Spring Offensive in Afghanistan

The US was today expected to urge ministers at a Nato meeting in Spain to launch a spring offensive against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

It is thought that Nato's top operational commander, the US general John Craddock, will present the ministers gathered in Seville with a plan to deploy more mobile combat units along the border with Pakistan ahead of anticipated increased fighting with Taliban forces in the spring.

"We think the upcoming spring in Afghanistan is a pivotal moment in the conflict and we're encouraging the allies to do as much as they can, as soon as they can," said a senior US defence official en route to Spain from Washington.

Last year was the bloodiest in Afghanistan since US-led forces overthrew the Taliban government. The conflict is estimated to have killed more than 4,000 people.

US commanders have predicted that this spring will be even more violent than last year, when a resurgent Taliban mounted a record number of attacks, including nearly 140 suicide bombings.

The US and Britain plan to add another 3,000 troops to the 33,000-strong Nato force in coming months.

With 14,000 soldiers, the US is by far the biggest contributor to the force, followed by Britain, with 5,200. Attending his first Nato meeting, the new US defence secretary, Robert Gates is expected to push for additional contributions.

Gen Craddock needs other countries to provide a few hundred more troops in the south, as well as up to 2,000 crew for helicopters and transport planes.

More will be needed in four months' time, when some 3,200 US troops are due to return home. However, Spain, the Netherlands, France and Turkey have ruled out reinforcements for the time being.

Spain has said it will not be adding to its 550 troops in western Afghanistan. Germany is expected to provide six Tornado reconnaissance jets but not to add significantly to its 3,000 troops in the north. And the Italian government is struggling to secure parliamentary backing to fund a contingent of 1,950.

Aside from Afghanistan, Nato members are likely to stress their commitment to maintaining peace in Kosovo during tense talks on a UN plan to grant autonomy to the Serbian province.