British special forces in Afghanistan have killed a senior Taliban commander in a gun battle. The death of the insurgent, known as Bishmullah, in Helmand province at the weekend came just over a fortnight after another militant leader was killed in an Army helicopter missile strike.
The UK military hailed the killings as the "most significant blow" struck against the Taliban's chain of command in northern Helmand this year.
Bishmullah, who was described as a "key player" in the insurgency in southern Afghanistan, died in a fire fight with British troops in the town of Now Zad early on Saturday.
This follows the killing of a senior Taliban leader known as Sadiqullah, whose vehicle was hit by two hellfire missiles fired by a UK Apache helicopter near Kajaki in Helmand on June 26.
Sadiqullah was believed to be the mastermind behind the recent spate of roadside bomb and suicide attacks in Helmand that have claimed the lives of many British troops.
The two deaths will damage the Taliban's ability to conduct operations against coalition forces, and in particular to launch attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Lt Col Robin Matthews, spokesman for British forces in Helmand, said: "Combined with the elimination of Sadiqullah, this is the most significant blow struck against the Taliban logistics and facilitation chain in northern Helmand this year.
"It should provide a clear and simple message to the Taliban, if you are working to undermine the efforts of the Afghan government, or you are targeting our troops or Afghan civilians, you will be found and you will be stopped."
Another military spokesman in Afghanistan refused to confirm the regiment of the troops who killed Bishmullah, adding: "We do not comment on special forces operations."