Around 120 British troops are being sent to Iraq this weekend, it has been confirmed.
The members of the Second Light Infantry will be sent immediately, followed by further deployments in the coming weeks.
The soldiers, who will help in peace keeping operations, are currently stationed in Cyprus.
The decision to send them to Iraq comes after a review by the MoD and a recent rise in attacks on Coalition forces there.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon ordered the review based on the deteriorating situation there.
And Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is thought to have urged Prime Minister Tony Blair to send reinforcements to Iraq or risk strategic failure.
Mr Straw reportedly wants an extra 5,000 British troops to help carry out the reconstruction programme and maintain security.
The members of the Second Light Infantry will be sent immediately, followed by further deployments in the coming weeks.
The soldiers, who will help in peace keeping operations, are currently stationed in Cyprus.
The decision to send them to Iraq comes after a review by the MoD and a recent rise in attacks on Coalition forces there.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon ordered the review based on the deteriorating situation there.
And Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is thought to have urged Prime Minister Tony Blair to send reinforcements to Iraq or risk strategic failure.
Mr Straw reportedly wants an extra 5,000 British troops to help carry out the reconstruction programme and maintain security.
