Marines mounted in mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles point their weapons outboard towards the outpost's walls, after hearing reports of improvised explosive devices being detonated a few miles from their position at Observation Post Huskars in Helmand province, Jan. 14. The Marines and sailors of Alpha and Weapons Companies, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and attachments from 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, have moved deeper into Helmand province in order to limit the Taliban's control over the area, by having a more prominent coalition force presence in the region.