The defence ministry said more international troops are needed to battle the extremist militia, which is believed to be preparing to launch an offensive as soon as the winter snows melt.

"At present, we need foreign forces to maintain peace and security. We welcome the increase in numbers and facilities," ministry spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi told AFP.

"But the long-term solution is that we need support to increase Afghan forces in quality and quantity, so they can take up the responsibility for their country."

Since the collapse of the hardline Taliban regime in late 2001, Afghanistan has seen a significant slowdown in the militants' activities each winter, followed by a surge when the weather improves in spring.

"We don't expect any particular spring offensive this year, just the normal increase in activities every spring," Azimi said.

The Afghan army is expected to reach 70,000 troops in the first half of this year.

"The year 2008 is going to be different from last year. The Afghan army is getting better and bigger and well-equipped," he said.

"We don't expect a major speedy change, but slowly and steadily our security forces are expanding."

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates is considering sending about 3,000 marines to Afghanistan in anticipation of a spike in Taliban attacks once roads and mountains become passable again in spring, a Pentagon spokesman said Wednesday.

The marines would make up part of the shortfall of 7,500 troops, after NATO countries failed to meet promises to provide men and combat equipment despite a rise in Taliban activity last year.

"The commander needs additional forces there, our allies are not in a position to provide them, so we are now looking at perhaps carrying a bit of that additional load," Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said.

Coalition commanders have complained that they are short three infantry battalions, 3,000 trainers and helicopters, which were promised but not delivered by NATO members.

The proposal to send marines to fill the gap goes before Gates on Friday but he is unlikely to make a final decision at that time, Morrell said in Washington.

Currently, there are 26,000 US troops in Afghanistan, most of them under the 40,000-strong NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.

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