http://www.boston.com/dailynews/285/world/Defense_secretary_suggests_wea:.shtml

Defense secretary suggests weather may affect ground troop deployment in Afghanistan

By Associated Press, 10/12/2001 07:22

LONDON (AP) The approach of winter in Afghanistan is a factor in deciding whether or when to deploy ground troops, Britain's defense secretary said Friday.

''We are looking at a range of options but no decisions on the use of British ground troops of any kind have been taken,'' Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon said in an interview on British Broadcasting Corp. radio.

''Everyone knows that the weather in a few weeks' time in Afghanistan will be particularly difficult.

''Historically, we know that the civil wars that have plagued Afghanistan tend to close down in the winter months. That is obviously a factor that any military planner must take account of.''

The chief of Britain's defense staff, Adm. Michael Boyce, said Thursday that the mountain and winter warfare troops of the Royal Marines' 3 Commando Brigade, now participating in exercises in Oman, would be considered for use in any land operation in Afghanistan.

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2001