Mapping Operation Panther's Claw - BBC

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Defence chiefs in Afghanistan have hailed the first stage of an operation to secure an area of Helmand province a success.

Ten soldiers were killed in Operation Panther's Claw, which was aimed at securing an area the size of the Isle of Wight against the insurgent Taliban forces.

1. 19 June: 350 soldiers from The Black Watch launch an air assault on a Taliban drugs bazaar and secure a key crossing point on the Nahr-E-Bughra canal.

2. 25 June: 1st Battalion Welsh Guards push up Shamalan canal securing 14 more crossing points, cutting off the insurgents' supply route

3. 2-8 July: Danish Battle Group leaves Camp Price and advances into enemy territory of Spin Masjed, securing two further canal crossing points.

4. 10-14 July: The Light Dragoons Battle Group move into target area defined as "Panther's Claw Triangle" pushing insurgents towards Shamalan canal. The Afghan National Army, assisted by the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment follow, securing checkpoints and compounds.

5. 10 July: The Black Watch fly 160 troops into Babaji region, while The Light Dragoons Battle Group continue to advance across Spin Masjed towards Babaji.

6. 20 July: Final air assault by The Black Watch combined with push by 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh south-west from Spin Masjed to secure area against Taliban.