UK troops take Taleban stronghold
British forces were backed by US and Canadian troops
British troops in Afghanistan are undertaking their biggest operation since the fall of the Taleban in 2001.
Three hundred soldiers - backed by hundreds of American and Canadian troops - have taken control of Sangine in the southern province of Helmand.
Six British troops have been killed in or near the town in recent weeks.
Military chiefs earlier defended their decision to call in US planes to drop 500lb bombs on Taleban fighters in the nearby town of Nawzad.
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Apache helicopters led the way early on Saturday for Chinooks which dropped the British troops on the ground - much of the fighting force of 3 Para battle group.
They were backed up by a further 700 coalition troops.
They sealed off the town and targeted a number of compounds which are being searched.
Captain Marcus Eves, a spokesman for British forces in Helmand, said two UK troops were injured in the operation but both are expected to make a full recovery. A total of 1,000 British personnel were involved including hundreds in supporting roles.
BBC News Online
British forces were backed by US and Canadian troops
British troops in Afghanistan are undertaking their biggest operation since the fall of the Taleban in 2001.
Three hundred soldiers - backed by hundreds of American and Canadian troops - have taken control of Sangine in the southern province of Helmand.
Six British troops have been killed in or near the town in recent weeks.
Military chiefs earlier defended their decision to call in US planes to drop 500lb bombs on Taleban fighters in the nearby town of Nawzad.
Compounds searched
Quick guide: Afghanistan
Apache helicopters led the way early on Saturday for Chinooks which dropped the British troops on the ground - much of the fighting force of 3 Para battle group.
They were backed up by a further 700 coalition troops.
They sealed off the town and targeted a number of compounds which are being searched.
Captain Marcus Eves, a spokesman for British forces in Helmand, said two UK troops were injured in the operation but both are expected to make a full recovery. A total of 1,000 British personnel were involved including hundreds in supporting roles.
BBC News Online
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