Successful counter-terror ambushes for the British Special Forces soldiers SAS in Afghanistan 310713.

As the insurgents moved in from neighbouring Nimruz province into Helmand, a US air-strike was called in to cut them off before they disappeared into the local population and a jet destroyed two vehicles.

A band of 45 fighters fled across the desert in trucks as the SAS rushed to the area, taking up ambush positions ahead of them to cut off their escape and opening fire on the convoy.

The fighting that followed was so close-up that at one stage both sides were just several metres apart and the Brits barely had time to reload their weapons.

In several hours of battle, one British trooper was caught up in a quick-draw confrontation with a member of the Taliban.

The soldier shot the Taliban dead but felt the thud of an AK47 bullet embedding in the chest plate of his body armour.

He escaped with bruising.

The dramatic confrontation – the latest in a string of special forces victories against the insurgents – left 30 Taliban dead, including an un-named senior commander of the network.

A military insider said: “This operation was a huge success and shows how special forces can operate quickly against a ruthless enemy.

“The Taliban have been trying to move back into certain parts of Helmand province to try and flex their muscles before the troop withdrawal.

“And this shows why an element of British and American special forces may remain in Afghanistan long after the regular troops have gone home.”