British bid to oust Taliban 'progressing well'

A military operation to oust Taliban insurgents from a stronghold in southern Afghanistan is progressing "very well", the Ministry of Defence has said.

Hundreds of British troops are taking part in Operation Tor Shezada, which has now entered its second day.

British forces, working alongside the Afghan army, said they made progress and were holding two compounds near Sayedebad in central Helmand province.

The operation, which translates as "black prince", started with soldiers being dropped from Chinook helicopters under cover of darkness on Friday.

The troops, spearheaded by 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, then moved in to clear compounds and establish patrol bases in the area.

On Saturday they have seized large quantities of IEDs and bomb making equipment as they moved through the area.

No casualties have been reported so far and there has been only limited contact with the Taliban.