The first aerial pictures of the fighting in Marjah during Operation Moshtarak show significant damage to parts of the town.
Nato and Afghan forces have been consolidating their positions after launching Moshtarak in the Taliban strongholds of southern Helmand province.
Senior Afghan officers say most local people have welcomed the coalition, although many are wary in case troops leave and militants return.
However, coalition leaders insist that they will hold the land they take from insurgents so that newly trained police will enforce Afghan law in the area.
US Marines have encountered sniper fire and many homemade bombs around Marjah, while British forces in Nad Ali to the north, have found little resistance.
Two wounded US Marines are evacuated from Marjah.
US Marines take cover in a poppy field during a fire fight with the Taliban in Marjah.
A British soldier stands guard during an operation in Qari Saheb village in Helmand province.
The Afghan army, also in Qari Saheb. Correspondents say Afghan troops have been welcomed by many locals.
At every opportunity, Nato commanders are trying to assure civilians that life will change for the better when the Taliban is driven out.
Village elders are being called into shuras - tribal councils - where coalition leaders make their case. Villagers can also express their grievances to Nato leaders.
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