Definition of "Helmand"

To the west the Afghan plateau undergoes a very considerable depression, at the bottom of which lies the marshy lake, Hamoun, into which the Helmand river finds its way; but it again rises in the vast plains which lead towards Farsistan.

1879, Sir Norman Lockyer, Nature, volume 19, page 41

Since late July, the Taliban have seized new territory across Helmand, defying a series of about 30 US airstrikes, and raising concern of an attack on the capital.

2016 August 22, Sune Engel Rasmussen, The Guardian