(KUNA) -- British troops have staged a second show of strength in an Afghan town at the centre of the Taliban insurgency, the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Friday. More than 500 UK troops took part in "Operation Atomi" to move what was described as a "large number" of Afghan police into Musa Qaleh, in Helmand province's notorious Sangin valley.The MoD said the operation was intended as a "deliberate show of force" to send a message that the Afghan Government was extending its authority into the region. British forces mounted a similar show of strength in the Musa Qaleh area less than three weeks ago following reports that it was coming under regular attack from Taliban fighters. The MoD said the latest operation had "paralysed" Taliban activities in the area while providing reassurance for local people.