Soldiers boarding a CH47 Chinook helicopter on completion of their mission near Musa Qala, Afghanistan, 2006

Digital photograph by Corporal Mike Fletcher, Royal Logistic Corps, Helmand Task Force Photographer, 13 September 2006.

In May 2006, the Pathfinder Platoon of 16 Air Assault Brigade was deployed for five days to Musa Qala, a centre for opium production, to assist the Afghan police. Based in a compound, the Pathfinders were attacked on an almost daily basis. Despite supporting airstrikes, they were effectively besieged, and resupply was only possible by helicopters flying in hazardous conditions. After 52 days, they were relieved following a full-scale battle group operation, having inflicted approximately 200 casualties on the enemy without loss to themselves.

Despite withdrawing in 2007, ISAF retook the town when the Taleban resumed activity. Operations continue there today.

From a CD of 309 images.