Just 48 hours into a seven-day ceasefire Taliban insurgents opened fire on Kent-based troops patrolling south of Musa Qal’eh in northern Helmand province.

Troops from First Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR) were on a routine patrol when between four and six insurgents opened fire on them.

A 15-minute fire-fight followed, which only ended when air support was called in and dropped a 500lb bomb on the targets.

The troops from B company were on a disrupt patrol from Patrol Base Minden designed to let the Taliban know they are still near, along the southernmost border of the area controlled by the British army.

It is thought the insurgents were spooked by the control and opened fire while the soldiers were talking to civilians.

Civilians then had to be pushed clear of the firing line as the Taliban continued firing at the patrol.

After 15 minutes of continuous battle the enemy stopped shooting, allowing the Kent soldiers to extract back to a compound and re-group.

Mortar fire was given in support from the Royal Artillery based at FOB (Forward Operating Base) Edinburgh.

The enemy then opened fire again and that is when air support was called in.

The 1PWRR were only 650 metres away from where the bomb landed.

They suffered no casualties.

“I don’t think they realised where we were” said Javelin Operator Private Sean Norris.

“I got two definitely. We just engaged when they started firing at us.”

One Section commander Corporal Scott Ralfe said: “We’ve done this countless times so it feels normal now.

“Everyone knows their drills and the boys are all well trained, so we were easily able to cope.”