ROYAL Marine Commandos were at the forefront of one of their final actions against the Taleban.

3 Commando Brigade is pulling out of Afghanistan at the end of its six-month tour of duty.

But the planned withdrawal did not stop green berets being in thick of the fight to the very end alongside their Allied comrades-in-arms.

Royals of 42 Commando joined a 1,000-strong international force, including British Army, Danish, Estonian, US airborne, Dutch, Canadian and Afghan troops in the latest raid under Operation Achilles aimed at restoring law and order around the Sangin district.

US, Dutch and Canadian troops launched an air assault on Sangin itself, while the Royals, Danes and Estonians swept into the town from the north.

The Taleban forces holding Sangin invariably fled, leaving behind a huge weapons cache, including machine-guns, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, bomb-making kit and anti-tank mines.

Those Taleban who offered resistance were neutralised, although the operation’s leaders say until Achilles is completed, it’s too early to estimate the rebels’ strength around Sangin.

Part of the reason for the enemy’s flight – and the lack of civilian casualties during the latest stage of Achilles – was a concerted propaganda effort by the Allied forces, who spread rumours, made radio broadcasts and dropped leaflets, urging locals to stay indoors when the fighting erupted.

With the Taleban pushed out of Sangin, the aim is for the Afghan government to move in and begin restoring order and normal services so the community can be rebuilt.

Brig Jerry Thomas, Commanding Officer of 3 Cdo Bde, was in no doubt that Achilles had made “significant gains” against the insurgents.

As for the Royals’ overall mission since arriving in Helmand province last autumn, the commandos are convinced that their tour of duty has, despite some tragic losses, succeeded on many fronts.

The Taleban have been driven out of the southern town of Garmsir and Kajaki, where restoring a dam and hydro-electric power is vital to Helmand’s future prosperity, and progress is being made in Sangin.

“The men of 3 Commando Brigade – and the wider UK task force – have, to my mind, performed exceptionally, whether in combat, in support duties or in the reconstruction effort,” said Lt Col Rory Bruce of Brigade HQ.

“They have taken the fight to the Taleban with considerable success – it has been a successful tour.”