LONDON, June 16, SPA -- The British government said Monday it will send more troops to southern Afghanistan to fight the insurgency there. Prime Minister Gordon Brown's office said about 230engineers, logistical staff and military trainers wouldbegin a tour of duty over the next few weeks. Thedeployment will take the number of British forces in thecountry to more than 8,000, most based in Helmand provincein the south. A spokesman confirmed the deployment on condition ofanonymity, in keeping with government policy. DefenseSecretary Des Browne is due to make an announcement in theHouse of Commons later Monday, the Associated Press reported. One hundred and two British troops have died inAfghanistan since 2001 _ almost all of them since 2006. The increased commitment in Afghanistan comes as Britishofficials hope to step up Britain's withdrawal from Iraq. There are about 4,000 British troops in that country, basedoutside the southern city of Basra.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/565630