London • British lawmakers are clamoring for an explanation from the government on why the military is being asked to field more troops for Olympic security after a private contractor paid millions to provide security at the games failed to recruit enough staff.

The contractor, G4S, had been enlisted to provide the bulk of the 13,200 private security guards across 100 Olympic venues, but said in a statement Wednesday that it may not hit its target because of problems recruiting and training staff.

The developments are considered a major embarrassment for London's Olympic Organizing Committee just two weeks ahead of the games.

On Thursday, opposition Labour Party lawmaker Keith Vaz sought an urgent statement from the Home Secretary over the situation.