Hutton visits former Taliban-held district

Mr Hutton personally thanked the British men and women who took part in the mission, which caught the Taliban off guard and provided a boost in security for 70,000 people.

After meeting UK forces at Kandahar Air Base, Mr Hutton was flown by helicopter into Nad-e-Ali where he was briefed on the mission by the Helmand Task Force Commander, Brigadier Gordon Messenger Royal Marines.

Mr Hutton said:

"Only a few weeks ago the town of Nad-e-Ali was a Taliban stronghold and no-go area. The very fact that I am able to see first hand the progress which has been made is testament to the bravery of UK forces and their determination to take the fight to the Taliban."

Operation Sond Chara involved a Brigade-sized force and was one of the largest operations mounted by 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines since the invasion of Iraq.

1,000kg of narcotics were destroyed during the mission and large quantities of weapons, including rocket propelled grenades and mortar rounds, were seized. Taliban forces were judged to have been dealt a blow to their lines of communication. See Related News >>>

During his visit Mr Hutton also travelled outside of the patrol base for talks with the District Governor and met troops from 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

He added:

"UK troops are making a real difference in Afghanistan. They are fighting for freedom and democracy in the towns and villages of Afghanistan to prevent the export of hatred and terrorism back to the UK."

Since Operation Sond Chara, Afghan Security Forces have continued to consolidate the new found security in the district, ushering in an improved quality of life for local people.

Earlier this month, the Provincial Governor of Helmand, Gulab Mangal, held a 'food zone' shura in the town where wheat seed was handed out to some 350 local people who attended as part of the Afghan Government's drive to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce dependency on farming opium.