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From The Times
May 12, 2008

British troops guide US Marines on anti-Taleban raids in Afghanistan

Michael Evans, Defence Editor

US Marines supported by British troops in Afghanistan now command three key locations south of the town of Garmsir, in Helmand province, putting pressure on the main supply routes of the Taleban for arms, opium and reinforcements.

For the first time since the Nato campaign expanded to the south in 2006 the Taleban stranglehold in this part of Helmand – stretching from the Pakistan border to Garmsir – has been weakened. Crucial vantage points are now held by 1,200 US Marines from 24 Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) and 200 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 Scots) battle group.

Lieutenant-Colonel Robin Matthews, the chief British spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said that the US men were guided by British troops as they moved at night “over extraordinarily difficult terrain . . . to launch their assault”.

The operation, which started on April 28 and involved helicopter and ground assaults, provided the US Marines from 24 MEU with their first offensive against the Taleban since they arrived in southern Afghanistan last month as a special reserve manoeuvre force for the Nato commander of Regional Command South. They have already lost two men.

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Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, the British commander of Task Force Helmand, told The Times: “This operation has severely dislocated Taleban control of an area in which they have traditionally enjoyed considerable autonomy.”

Just shows how the Americans and British work well together. Thank heaven for the free world. Keep up the good work guys.

kirk, Rotherham, UK

I am glad the Scots and the Royal Marines are showing our Marines and my son the ropes.

Trevor, Olympia, Wa., USA

This is the key Battle for the success of Afghanistan. I hope that the soldiers are able to cut off these very lucrative supply lines. This is a HUGE money earner for terrorists and a main reason the Taleban can keep on fighting. Keep up the good work lads..... My thoughts go out to the 2 lost men.

chris, Rushden, England

Well done Lads!

James, Chester, UK

To 2 Scots, thank you!
To our Marines, Semper Fi!

Pete, Longview, USA

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