Up close and "really, really brutal"

Ivan Watson has been embedded with the Marines in Helmand province this week, and has been sending out some incredible footage of their mission and how they cope with the dangers and the conditions.

Monday, a look at the Marines preparing to destroy a cache of chemicals used to make heroin:

Tuesday, more explosions, as the Marines use 1000-lb bombs to destroy poppy seed supplies. Oh yes, you can tell the Americans are in town -- Jerry Bruckheimer, eat your heart out:

Wednesday, a look at life "on the road" and how the troops cope:

And the return to home base, along with a chance to bathe in the Helmand River:

This morning, a look at the latest firefight, as the Marines press to within 50 miles of the Pakistan border.

Some amazing work from another of CNN's terrific war correspondents.

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