In Pictures
A Chinook inserts Royal Marines in the southern Helmand Valley at dawn [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Chinook helicopters take off as the sun rises over the southern Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
A convoy of Viking Amphibious Armoured All-Terrain Vehicles throws up dust in its wake [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
A Royal Marine provides cover to a Viking convoy as it moves into position during Operation AABI TOORAH [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Armed with a Minimi Light Machine Gun, a Royal Marine looks out over the Helmand Valley for enemy activity [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
A pack of Jackal all-terrain weapons platforms moves through the Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Members of the Commando Reconnaissance Force in Jackal all-terrain vehicles [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Like fish to water, armoured Jackal all-terrain vehicles were designed especially for use on the rugged open spaces of southern Afghanistan [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
A dentist from 42 Commando Group treats a village elder while Marines and Afghan forces meet locals to discuss their views and priorities [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Royal Marines on foot patrol in the southern the Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
A Commando sniper team watches over the Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Royal Marines and Afghan soldiers hold a shura with village elders in the 'Fish Hook' region of the southern Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Royal Marines on a reconnaissance patrol in the Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Royal Marines on a reconnaissance patrol in the southern Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Royal Marines approach a cluster of outbuildings during a reconnaissance patrol in the southern Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Royal Marines cross the river bed during a foot patrol in the southern Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
A Royal Marine helps his troop reach higher ground after crossing the river bed in the southern Helmand Valley [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Royal Marines unwind after another busy day on Operation AABI TOORAH with a sunset game of rugby [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Royal Marines investigate a suspected enemy compound during Stage 4 of Operation AABI TOORAH [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]
Royal Marines prepare to load into Chinook helicopters after the succcessful completion of Operation AABI TOORAH [Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner]