UK forces in major Afghan assault

--BBC--

The Black Watch started its first deployment to Afghanistan in April British soldiers have launched a major airborne assault on a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan. More than 350 troops from the Black Watch were dropped into Babaji, north of Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, just after midnight local time on Friday. Twelve Chinook helicopters were used in Operation Panther's Claw which involved British and US air forces. The Ministry of Defence has described it as one of the largest air operations in modern times. Air support BBC News defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt says the arrival of extra US troops in the south of Helmand province has helped make such an operation possible. It has allowed British forces to focus on taking on the Taliban in their strongholds, and keep the ground they have won. Apache and Black Hawk helicopter gunships, as well as a Spectre gunship, Harrier jets and unmanned drones, supported the operation. The aim was to establish a permanent presence in the area ahead of the Afghan presidential elections in August. Explosive devices The MoD says the Black Watch fought off several attacks by insurgents, and secured three main crossing points. They also found and disabled several of one of the Taliban's main weapons - improvised explosive devices - which have proved deadly to coalition forces over recent months. The operation comes after the 169th British serviceman was killed in Afghanistan since 2001 on Friday. The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS), based at Fort George barracks near Inverness, started its first deployment to Afghanistan in April.