UK ground troops on Afghan alert

British troops in during exercises in Oman

British troops look set to join future ground attacks against the Taleban regime in Afghanistan.

Up to 1,000 commandos are likely to be involved in airborne operations against the Taleban, including specialists trained for winter warfare.

We must see this through to the end

Iain Duncan Smith

An announcement on the issue is expected in the House of Commons on Friday.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is due to brief British commanders on the latest situation in the battle against international terrorism.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Tony Blair briefed Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith at Downing Street.

Mr Duncan Smith emerged from the talks to re-pledge his party's support for the government's stance.

Commando contingent

He said: "To take no further action would be the wrong course.

"We must now, as the Prime Minister agreed, see this through to the end."

It is understood British ground troops could be drawn from 3 Commando Brigade, which has been on exercise in Oman.

Mr Blair briefed Mr Bergne earlier this week

Royal Marines trained in Arctic and mountain warfare could be deployed off the coast of Pakistan, along with Sea King helicopters, either on the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean or the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.

A Royal Marine commando group would be likely to consist of 600 core troops as well as artillery, engineers and logistics making the total up to 1,000.

The UK will be in closer contact with the rebel Northern Alliance after the UK appointed Paul Bergne, the former UK ambassador to Tashkent, as envoy to the area they control.

Peace settlement

After a cabinet meeting in Downing Street Mr Blair went on to address an Islamic conference in London - chaired by Prince Lel-Hassan bin Talal of Jordan - discussing the war in Afghanistan.

Mr Blair told the conference that the attacks on the US last month should not be seen as Islamic in origin any more than terrorism in Northern Ireland was inspired by christianity.

He went on to say that a peace settlement in the Middle East was vital.

"We need to make sure that we have a situation in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side-by-side in justice and peace, each in their own state, where security is guaranteed and justice for all is guaranteed."

Simple facts

He added: "Whatever the religion of people who engage in terrorism, terrorists are what they are. But we have worked hard in these last few years to try and get the peace process in Northern Ireland.

"People can carry on killing each other and can carry on with bitterness and hatred but at some stage they have to come back to the simple facts that violence will not offer a solution and that communities have to live together."

Prince Lel-Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, who was chairing the conference, welcomed Mr Blair's remarks.

But he added that while the terrorist bloodshed was unacceptable, "all of us, as I am sure you do Prime Minister, yearn for the bombing to end and for justice to prevail".

In other developments:

• A mailroom worker for the US State Department tests positive for anthrax
• Thousands pledge revenge at funeral of Pakistani militant killed in US air raid on Kabul
• UK Prime Minister Tony Blair predicts the US-led campaign will result in Bin Laden's death
• A Taleban spokesman says a crowded bus has been hit by US bombs in Kandahar with many dead
• The FBI carries out anthrax tests on an apartment used by three Arab men detained after the attacks
• Aid agencies step up preparations for a flood of refugees into Pakistan
• Pakistani authorities reinforce security along the northern border to stop armed volunteers going to fight for the Taleban
• Two scientists who helped Pakistan become a nuclear power are questioned over alleged links to the Taleban.