The first stage of the biggest offensive against the Taliban since hostilities began has 'gone to plan', the Ministry of Defence said today.More than 1,000 British troops took part in Operation Moshtarak in Afghanistan alongside Afghan forces.
Major General Gordon Messenger told a press briefing in central London that commanders on the ground were not complacent but were 'very much of the view this has gone according to plan.'
He said some British troops had come under small arms fire, but added: 'Nothing has stopped the mission from progressing.'
Maj Gen Messenger said no artillery had been fired and no bombs dropped in the area where British efforts were focused but an Apache helicopter fired a Hellfire missile at insurgents after members of a Household Cavalry patrol were attacked from distance.
Soldiers from the Royal Welsh Regiment, working with Afghan forces, have uncovered 13 IEDs. Tunnels apparently used by insurgents were also uncovered.
Work had begun building bridges over canals and building up temporary bases in the area.
Troops have also provided security allowing hundreds of elders to attend two Shuras - tribal gatherings - in a town which was the local seat of Taliban government.
Maj Gen Messenger said: 'The Taliban flag has been taken down and replaced with the Afghan flag.'
Cash for work programmes allowing local people to start building up the infrastructure could begin tomorrow.
'What has happened over the last 24/48 hours is the easy bit,' Maj Gen Messenger said.