SOLDIERS from Worcestershire are involved in one of the largest missions to remove Taliban from a stronghold in southern Afghanistan.

Troops from 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment are among 2,500 soldiers in a major offensive to target and clear Taliban from the area surrounding Gereshk in order to provide an enduring security presence in the area.

It is believed to be the biggest operation in Helmand Province since June and is hoped it will force the Taliban north out of their strongholds in the Upper Gereshk Valley.

This mission highlights the intensity of the conflict in southern Afghanistan and reinforces calls made by your Worcester News to award our soldiers with a special medal.

The operation, codenamed Palk Wahel, started at the crack of dawn on Wednesday as tanks and infantry rolled through the desert.

Soldiers from International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) as well as Afghan National Security Forces are also involved in the mission.

The key objective of the operation is to create a secure environment for Afghan nationals and to support the provincial government in its efforts to bring vital reconstruction and development projects to the region.

ISAF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Eaton said the mission is being conducted in consultation with local leaders and the governor of Helmand.

"This operation is designed to protect areas within Helmand Province where we have previously made gains against the Taliban and pushed them further out," he said.

"The presence of the Taliban in Helmand Province denies the local population the peace and stability they so desperately want and hampers reconstruction and development projects that are so important to improving their quality of life.

"It is crucial that the Taliban are prevented from terrorising the local people so that they can go about their daily lives without fear of intimidation."

Seven soldiers from 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment have already lost their lives since the start of their tour of duty in April.