British and Afghan army soldiers launch operation COURAGEOUS MOUNTAIN in Helmand province 2411117.

Major Simon Doyle, Officer Commanding C Coy, 1 PWRR, said it was vital in a counter-insurgency campaign to understand the population - and that in the western Dashte there is a risk they could turn to the insurgency for governance. He said:

"A major role for ISAF and ANSF [Afghan National Security Forces] is to point villagers towards the legitimate government to stop insurgents gaining a foothold in the area.

"What we and the ANA learned was that the people here were self-sustaining and to a large degree self-governing, which is a starting point for governance to build on.

"The operation demonstrated ISAF and ANSF ability to operate freely across Nad 'Ali district. This provides reassurance to the local national population and also contributes to growing uncertainty and fear amongst the remaining insurgents operating in the area."

Lieutenant Ian Thornton, Commander of 9 Platoon, C Coy, 1 PWRR, said:

"We normally operate in the Green Zone where there is a lot of cultivated farmland.

"The western Dashte is a more rugged environment where we can manoeuvre more freely and the opportunity to see a different part of Nad 'Ali was great for the men."