ROYAL Marine commandos from Bolton are in the front line in the war against Al Qaida and Taliban fighters in the mountains of Afghanistan.

The marines have been helping to smash the terrorist network, flushing out fighters in near arctic conditions.

Several units of 45 Commando have been searching the mountainous region in altitudes of up to 10,500ft this week as part of Operation Ptarmigan.

The marines did not engage with enemy forces, but hundreds of the terrorist fighters have now been left without hideaways. Storage facilities which contained large quantities of ammunition have been destroyed.

Reports from the region have suggested that many Al Qaida and Taliban fighters have fled across the border into the lawless tribal areas of Pakistan to evade British and US troops.

The marine mission is likely to last at least three months as the War on Terror embarks on a new phase.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Harradine, speaking to the Bolton Evening News from Afghanistan, said: "The morale here is very, very high. These people, including all of those from Bolton, joined the Marines to fight wars for Britain.

"There is apprehension but that is healthy. It saves lives and keeps everyone alert. I have no doubt that we will succeed."

Bolton's commandos are based at the Bagram airbase north of Kabul but officials have refused to reveal exact numbers.

There have been no casualties but troops have been told to be on their guard.

Lt Col Harradine said landmines still litter the ground around the base, home of Britain's biggest combat deployment since the Gulf War in 1991. Eight British soldiers have been injured clearing them.

He added: "It's a risky mission because of the nature of the opposition fighters and the terrain we face.

"But we have completed each mission well and the Al-Qaida and Taliban fighters are less powerful today than yesterday."

More than 1,700 British troops have been sent to Afghanistan after a request from the United States.

The marines are operating the the Paktia region, a province on the Pakistani border.

Rebel factions are holed up in caves, firing at the allies with assault rifles and rocket launchers. But they are being blasted by gunships and attack helicopters.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said yesterday that he expected the marines will soon be involved in combat.

He said: "There will clearly be fighting. We are asking people to put themselves at risk. That is a necessary part of dealing with the remnants of Al Qaida and the Taliban supporters in what is very difficult terrain.

"We are aware that there are still Al Qaida who present a potential threat ultimately to the United Kingdom, certainly to the future stability of Afghanistan. It is very important that we deal with them."

Mr Hoon confirmed that some British troops will also remain with the International Security and Assistance Force in Kabul after the UK hands over the leadership to Turkey in June.