Extra Troops Could Help Hold Musa Qala

Military chiefs are considering sending hundreds of extra troops to southern Afghanistan in the light of the precarious security situation, the Guardian has learned.

Under the plan, an infantry battalion of about 600 troops would be sent to reinforce Britain's presence, notably in the town of Musa Qala in Helmand province, recently recaptured from the Taliban.

The battalion would be in addition to a 7,800-strong British brigade in Helmand. Des Browne, the defense secretary, yesterday announced that 16 Air Assault Brigade would be deployed in Helmand in April, taking over from an infantry brigade.

Last night the Ministry of defense denied it had turned down a request from the brigade commander, Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, for additional forces to be deployed in Afghanistan now. The MoD was referring to remarks by Patrick Mercer, Tory MP for Newark and a former army officer, at prime minister's question time. The 16 Air Assault Brigade deployment "does not include the 600 extra troops that senior officers in the brigade have asked for", Mercer said. Gordon Brown replied that troop numbers would remain at 7,800 "for the foreseeable future".

In its statement, the MoD gave a stronger indication that there were plans to send in more troops. The situation "remains under constant review and ministers are routinely provided with military recommendations on advised adjustments to force levels", it said. It added: "No such advice has recently been provided."

Defence sources said the possibility of an extra infantry battalion was being considered despite pressures on the army.