British troops have pulled out of a previously-troubled district in southern Afghanistan following an agreement with local elders and Afghan officials, a Nato spokesman said.
The decision to withdraw from Helmand province's Musa Qala district came after an agreement with local tribal elders, the provincial governor, and with the knowledge and support of President Hamid Karzai, said Mark Laity, a Nato spokesman in Kabul.
The troops left "because of the sustained period of calm," Laity said.
"There has not been any contact with the Taliban and they are not involved in this."
The Afghan security forces left to deal with the security in the town will be answerable to the government of Afghanistan, he said.
Musa Qala has been one of the most volatile regions of Helmand.
About 4,000 British troops who deployed to the province in the spring have been battling Taliban militants.
The MoD spokesman said: "UK troops have left Musa Qala in line with the wishes of Governor Daoud and after discussions with local tribal elders. The move reflects the improved security situation in the area and UK forces remain in the area.
"This is not a withdrawal and we continue to support the government of Afghanistan. There were no discussions with the Taliban."
On the return of 3 Para Battle Group from Afghanistan last week, the MoD said soldiers had been involved in "high intensity" fighting in Musa Qala and other areas. Commanders ordered a number of offensive operations to quell the violence and reported a marked decrease in Taliban attacks.
