UK Forces Take Key Taleban Bases -- BBC NewsBritish troops in Afghanistan captured four key Taleban strongholds after an 18-day offensive in Helmand Province, the Ministry of Defence has revealed.
Afghan and coalition forces joined 1,500 UK troops for the pre-Christmas operation around Nad-e-Ali, which cost the lives of five UK servicemen.
They fought knee-deep in mud during First World War-style trench battles.
It was one of the largest operations mounted by Royal Marines since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the MoD said.
Operation Sond Chara - Pashto for Red Dagger - was named after 3 Commando Brigade's shoulder badge.
It aimed to provide better security in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah following Taleban attacks in October and to pave the way for a forthcoming voter registration programme.
Troops have been revealing details of the gruelling offensive, which involved some marines trudging more than 60km through mud while fighting insurgents at close quarters.
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