The town, in the area known as the 'Green Zone', due to the irrigation and lush vegetation, was just a few weeks ago a Taliban stronghold and the site of countless gun battles and improvised explosive device attacks.
But Operation MOSHTARAK has changed the situation dramatically, and Khowshhal Kalay was taken by C (Essex) Company of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment during Op MOSHTARAK without a single shot being fired.
The insurgents fled, while locals, paid or coerced to support them, melted back into the community.
Speaking from Afghanistan, Mr Ainsworth said "The first stages of Operation MOSHTARAK went extremely well, and I think that our military are to be congratulated on what they've managed to achieve in very difficult circumstances.
"There are discussions going on with people, there's help and assistance going in, and the whole atmospherics are very good, much improved.
"The difficult bit really comes now with trying to provide permanent improved security for the people in the area and trying to make sure that those people who have abused power in the past are not allowed to do so in the future."
Meanwhile, Douglas Alexander used the visit to announce British Government funding for the Helmand Growth Programme which will focus on the five key districts in the province, including Nad 'Ali.
Around 800,000 people will benefit from the project in which the Department for International Development is investing £28m over three years.
It will consolidate the Helmand stabilisation effort, including the recent Afghan-led District Delivery Programme, by putting in place the foundations for continued growth and job creation.
Speaking at a press conference in Lashkar Gah alongside Helmand province Governor, Gulab Mangal, Douglas Alexander said "Extending the reach of the Afghan Government within Helmand is crucial to securing the long term stability of the province.
"My colleague Bob Ainsworth and I have been hearing today about the success of Op MOSHTARAK in clearing Marjah of insurgents.
"The UK is committed now to helping Governor Mangal and the Government of Afghanistan to provide the things that the residents need to be able to stabilise and develop their community, from new roads and improved power supply to job creation, access to microfinance and agricultural skills training.
"Today's announcement underlines the UK's commitment to ensuring the long term development of not just Marjah but of the whole of Helmand."
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