Argentina invasion fears mean more troops to the Falklands

Port Stanley on the Falkland Islands in 2012.

   LONDON — A possible Falklands' invasion is probably not a threat that's uppermost in most Britons' minds.

   But a report in The Sun newspaper Tuesday says Britain is about to bolster its presence there because it believes there's a renewed threat from Argentina.

   The islands, which lie to the south-west of Argentina and are a British Overseas territory, have long been part of a sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina who went to war over the territory in 1982.

   In the last number of years tensions between the two countries has increased as Argentina accused Britain of militarising the region. In 2013, residents of the islands voted in a referendum to remain a British overseas territory.

   Also its standard policy that anytime the Argentine President (or dictator) gets in political hot water or has low ratings in the pole they want to invade the Falklands.  President Cristina Kirchner is no different and might attack in a bid to divert attention from the disastrous economy and political problems.

   The area around the islands, which have around 2,500 residents, is thought to contain substantial oil reserves.

   The Sun newspaper on Tuesday says the British defence secretary, Michael Fallon, will bolster the islands' garrison, or the body of troops that guard the territory.

   "The Defence Secretary's decision reflects our operational judgments and the heightened nature of the threat," a source told The Sun.

   Fallon told BBC Radio 4's Today programme a rumoured deal which involves Argentina leasing long-range bombers from Russia was not confirmed, but he said a "very live threat" remains.

   The Ministry of Defence confirmed to Mashable that a statement will be made to the House of Commons at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, on the matter.

   Britain currently has air defence assets, maritime patrol capability and infantry forces in Falklands and there are regular naval deployments to the area, according to the Ministry of Defence.