From TOM NEWTON DUNN,
Defence Editor, The Sun Newspaper,
in Marjah, southern Afghanistan

Published: Today

ROYAL Marines have smashed the most important Taliban stronghold yet in a ferocious three-day assault.

They killed 130 enemy in the daring raid on bases in the opium-swamped Marjah region of Helmand.

Six-hundred commandos fought to the limit of their endurance — sleeping just two hours a night — to avenge the deaths of 32 comrades during their six-month tour.

Our Boys suffered just two wounded compared to up to 300 injured insurgents.

After being air-dropped on top of the enemy, they battled for up to 12 hours a day.

They then yomped several kilometres at night to stun the Taliban in surprise morning attacks.

The marines of 3 Commando Brigade blasted through 25 tonnes of machine-gun and SA80 rifle ammunition.

They were backed by Apache and Cobra gunships, F16 jets, unmanned drones, battle tanks, 105mm artillery guns and 81mm mortar barrels.

The operation was a massive success.

Commanding officer Lt Col Charlie Stickland said: “My guys are brilliant. We’ve paralysed and shocked the enemy.”