COMPLETE COVERAGE | FRONT LINES | AMERICA AT HOME | INTERACTIVES »

UK Marines begin Afghan role

British Royal Marines arriving in Afghanistan

BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- The first contingent of 100 British combat troops have arrived in Afghanistan.

They will be followed by a further 1,600 Royal Marines who are due to head for Afghanistan in coming days.

UK Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced last week what is the biggest British offensive operation since the Gulf War. (Full story)

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman in London told CNN on Monday: "These 100 Marines are the activation party. The bulk of them are the logistics support and will be setting up base.

"Elements will be liasing with U.S. commanders. The other 1,600 will get there over the next few days."

CNN.COM SPECIAL REPORT  CNN NewsPass Video  Agencies reportedly got hijack tips in 1998  MORE STORIES Intelligence intercept led to Buffalo suspects Report cites warnings before 9/11  EXTRA INFORMATION Timeline: Who Knew What and When? Interactive: Terror Investigation Terror Warnings System Most wanted terrorists What looks suspicious? In-Depth: America Remembers In-Depth: Terror on Tape In-Depth: How prepared is your city?  RESOURCES On the Scene: Barbara Starr: Al Qaeda hunt expands? On the Scene: Peter Bergen: Getting al Qaeda to talk

The British troops are heading for Afghanistan as part of Operation Veritas to flush out remaining al Qaeda and Taliban fighters.

Sergeant Steven Melbourne told the Associated Press: "There has been some delay in getting equipment out here, but that now is starting to patch itself up."

He said the British Army was negotiating with Pakistan for landing rights en route to Afghanistan, but so far Pakistan has refused.

"Negotiations are still going on with Pakistan to use that route in. However, if that doesn't work, then we've obviously got alternatives that we can use," he said.

Hoon told the House of Commons last week: "It is important that the House is under no illusions about what this might mean. These troops are being deployed to Afghanistan to take part in war-fighting operations.

"We will be asking them to risk their lives. Their missions will be conducted in unforgiving and hostile terrain against a dangerous enemy. They may suffer casualties."

Up to 1,700 Royal Marines will be deployed in Afghanistan

The British troops' arrival in Afghanistan came as the UK government indicated that Britain's involvement in leading the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) force, may go on longer than expected.

Turkey, the only Muslim nation member of NATO, has been lined up to replace the UK as head of ISAF for some time. (Full story)

But negotiations are continuing over details such as the timing of the hand-over.

Other outstanding issues include financial support, how forces would be transported, communications and intelligence support.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair wants the switch to happen by April 1, but has added it could be extended slightly.

Turkey has also sought assurances that other NATO countries would maintain their presence in Afghanistan and that Turkey would receive adequate logistical support in operations.