An extra 1,600 troops are being sent to the North for the loyalist marching season, the British army said tonight.
Some have already arrived and the rest are due in next week.
"The decision was taken in advance of the new outbreak of sectarian violence in north Belfast", a British army spokesman said.
Reinforcements were agreed by the GoC Gen Sir Alistair Irwin and the RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan as part of the security arrangements for next month's Orange parades and potential trouble at Drumcree.
A British army spokesman said: "As you would expect these troop movements form part of prudent contingency planning measures in connection with the forthcoming marching season.
"All troops will be involved in supporting the police wherever the operational situation demands."
PA
