World News 19-10-2004 Troops Bound For Violent Flashpoint who: Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon what: Says decision to send British troops to US-controlled Iraqi danger areas has not been made where: House of Commons, LONDON when: Yesterday snippet: Defence secretary Geoff Hoon claimed yesterday that no answer had yet been given to the US military chiefs who requested the support of British troops in Iraq`s most dangerous hotspots. But he hinted strongly that the Black Watch may soon be risking their lives at the rebel stronghold of Fallujah when he told the Commons that the regiment was "determined to carry through this operation should it be decided they participate". "Mr Hoon was asked by a Liberal Democrat MP, Jenny Tonge, what political penalty Britain would pay for turning down the US request, says The Scotsman. "There will be no penalty," he replied, further showing his hand, "but we will have failed in our duty as an ally and a country that has strongly supported the US." The Independent`s Baghdad correspondent Kim Sengupta says 650 Black Watch troops will be sent to Iskandariyah, Latifiyah and Mahmudiyah, 20 miles south of Baghdad, which he describes as "one of the most violent flashpoints in the current insurgency". "The American military on the ground made a formal request to their British counterparts in Iraq for reinforcements to allow US forces to launch a decisive offensive against insurgents in Fallujah," explains Colin Brown, The Independent`s deputy political editor. "Many believe the assault will come before the American presidential election on 2 November." [... more]

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