Marines go into action

Hundreds of Royal Marines have gone into combat in eastern Afghanistan.

Men of 45 Commando went into action, their first since the Falklands War, to "search and clear a high mountain valley," the Ministry of Defence said today.

They are targeting former Taliban and al Qaeda strongpoints and were flown in by Chinook helicopters.

The men are specialists in mountain warfare and are said to be expecting fierce resistance.

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said the capture of Osama bin Laden remains a "prime objective".

Announcing the operation, commanding officer Brigadier Roger Lane said " significant numbers" of commandos are now operating alongside soldiers from the US and Afghanistan.

He said: "When we arrived it was clear that the war in Afghanistan was not yet over. The hunt for al Qaeda and Talibanfighters goes on. We said that we would be here for the long haul and we stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States and our other coalition allies in the global war on terrorism and that's exactly what we are doing."

Lt Col Paul Harrdine said the operation began several days ago. He said there is concern that as the snow on the mountain passes melts, al Qaeda fighters will feel able to resume fighting. There is also a concern that local warlords have once again begun to assert themselves.

He said: "It is a very difficult operation. They are working at altitudes of nine and a half thousand feet. The ground is very rugged and the terrain is mountainous.

"It is very cold at night and there are strong winds and rain. Oxygen is very thin and they are carying a heavy burden. But morale is high. They are up to it and I am confident they will do a great job."

He said evidence has already been found that the mountain region they have been sent to was recently used by al Qaeda fighters

The men of 45 Commando are part of the Arbroath-based 3 Commando Brigade.

There are about 700 marines in Afghanistan at the moment and more are due to be deployed, said the MoD spokesman. He expected that the Royal Marine battlegroup would be at full strength by the end of the month.

One diplomat said: "Clearly the fighting against al Qaeda is not over yet. There is a need to finish them off.

"Clearly there is going to be fighting during the spring and summer involving British and other coalition troops." One of the difficulties facing the marines is the ability of al Qaeda to slip across the border to regroup in the lawless tribal areas of Pakistan.

Nevertheless, officials say they are confident that Pakistan's president Pervez Musharraf is committed to taking effective action against al Qaeda elements in his country.

The marines form what is Britain's biggest overseas force since the Gulf War. In addition to the attacking troops, are 1,367 UK peacekeepers with the International Security and Assistance Force.

Operation Enduring Freedom, Britain's contribution to the "war on terror", is also making use of 2,135 sailors and 795 Royal Air Force personnel. Earlier, it emerged that eight British soldiers have been injured, since troops started clearing mines in Afghanistan. One soldier lost part of a leg in the mission to clear the airbase at Bagram, and has been flown home to the UK for treatment.

Veteran Labour MP Clive Soley said this morning: "What we are doing there is right. It is a dangerous and difficult task but our troops are well trained and well prepared for it.",

On hearing the news, Edward Davey, Lib Dem MP for Kingston, said: " Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers and their families. It is the right action, but it comes with huge risks."

Tory MP Mark Field said: "These are worrying times. There is duty now for all MPs, whatever they think of the military action over the last six months, to stand behind our troops abroad."

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