WASHINGTON (AlArabiya.net, Agencies)

In his first major military move, United States President Barack Obama Tuesday approved the deployment of 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan, saying they were needed "to stabilize a deteriorating situation."

"There is no more solemn duty as president than the decision to deploy our armed forces into harm's way," Obama said in a statement.

"I do it today mindful that the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan demands urgent attention and swift action."

Obama said the deployment orders were in response to a months-old request by the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General David McKiernan, who had asked for 30,000 more troops.

The White House said some 17,000 troops will be deployed to Afghanistan ahead of the Afghan elections scheduled for Aug. 20, significantly building up the 38,000 U.S. force already on the ground battling a growing insurgency.
   
Source: Alarabiya.net