Marjah: United States marines, accompanied by elements of the Afghan National Army (ANA) were involved in a firefight with Taliban insurgents in the key town of Marjah on Sunday.

The soldiers - from Echo Company of the 2/9 Marine Brigade - were forced to take cover as they came under fire from at least three locations.

They responded with a barrage of rockets and machine gun fire.

The patrol was filmed at work by an AP Television cameraman embedded with US troops.

Air support was provided by Cobra attack helicopters.

The use of air support has been decisive in the counter insurgency campaign as Taliban fighters usually beat a hasty retreat as air support comes on station, and this firefight was no exception.

No casualties were reported.

US Marines and Afghan troops overran Marjah last February and planned to develop Marjah as a model for counterinsurgency techniques in the hope that other communities would turn against the Taliban.

The Taliban has fought back with hidden bombs, ambushes, assassinations and intimidation.

Incidents such as Sunday's have become common place as the US army contests areas previously dominated by the insurgency.

Tags: Afghan National Army, Marjah, Taliban, US marines