An attack Sunday in Afghanistan's Helmand province took the lives of three British soldiers, bringing the total number of UK troops killed in that country to 204.

The deaths were the result of a bombing while the troops were on patrol.

They happened as American troops and allies have worked to take back the Helmand province, which has been a Taliban stronghold.

The Afghan flag now flies over the area as it was hoisted there over the weekend by U.S. and Afghan troops.

It's a sign that an offensive to rid the area of militants is succeeding.

Ten-thousand Marines have been sent to the Helmand province to help rid former Taliban-held areas of the insurgents.

The troops are using the same same tactics used in Iraq to establish a commanding presence in towns and villages.

The offensive is a response to Taliban vows to disrupt Thursday's presidential election with violence.

　

　

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