Operation Enduring Freedom

On October 7, 2001, the United States, along with its allies, launched Operation Enduring Freedom, marking the beginning of the War on Terror in response to the September 11 attacks. The operation began with airstrikes targeting Taliban and al-Qaeda forces in Afghanistan. This military campaign aimed to dismantle the Taliban regime, destroy al-Qaeda's terrorist network, and capture key leaders, including Osama bin Laden.

On November 13, 2001, the Afghan Northern Alliance, supported by U.S. airstrikes and special forces, successfully entered and captured Kabul, Afghanistan's capital. The fall of Kabul marked a significant turning point in Operation Enduring Freedom as it dismantled the Taliban's control over the capital. Taliban fighters fled southward towards Kandahar and other regions. This victory paved the way for the establishment of an interim government and set the stage for continued military operations in the country.

Operation Anaconda began on March 2, 2002, as a joint military offensive by the United States and coalition forces against al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters in the Shahi-Kot Valley, southeast of Zormat. It was one of the first major ground battles in the war. The operation involved about 2,000 coalition troops and faced strong resistance, resulting in intense combat lasting over two weeks. The battle underscored the challenges the coalition faced in the rugged Afghan terrain against a determined enemy.

On January 4, 2004, the Constitutional Loya Jirga of Afghanistan officially adopted a new constitution for the country. This event was a major milestone in the political reconstruction under Operation Enduring Freedom. The constitution established Afghanistan as an Islamic republic with a presidential system and aimed to bring stability and democracy. It included a framework for human rights, the establishment of a national assembly, and a judiciary, setting the path for future elections and governance reforms in Afghanistan.

On October 9, 2004, Afghanistan held its first presidential election since the fall of the Taliban. This historic election was a significant step in Afghanistan's democratization process fostered by Operation Enduring Freedom. Hamid Karzai, who had been serving as the interim president, won the election, becoming the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan. Despite challenges and security concerns, the election was seen as a key step toward establishing democratic governance and rebuilding the nation.

Operation Medusa started on September 2, 2006, as a major Canadian-led NATO offensive to dislodge Taliban fighters from the Panjwayi district of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. It was one of the largest operations undertaken by NATO since the start of the mission. The operation involved thousands of troops and was aimed at disrupting Taliban insurgency operations in a critical area. The intense fighting resulted in significant Taliban casualties and demonstrated the ongoing challenges of stabilizing southern Afghanistan under NATO leadership.

On December 1, 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama announced a significant troop surge in Afghanistan during a speech at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The plan involved deploying an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan to counter the Taliban resurgence and stabilize the situation. The surge aimed to disrupt Taliban momentum, secure key population centers, and increase training and support for Afghan security forces. The military buildup was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Afghan government and pave the way for transition and eventual withdrawal.

On May 2, 2011, U.S. Navy SEALs carried out a successful raid on a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, resulting in the death of Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda and mastermind behind the September 11 attacks. This operation, known as Operation Neptune Spear, was a major milestone in Operation Enduring Freedom and the broader War on Terror. The raid was conducted with precision and secrecy, leading to the elimination of a top terrorist target after nearly a decade of pursuit. The event marked a pivotal moment in combatting global terrorism.

On June 18, 2013, NATO officially handed over control of security operations in Afghanistan to the Afghan National Security Forces, marking a significant milestone in the transition phase of Operation Enduring Freedom. This handover meant that Afghan forces would now take the lead in combat operations across the country, although NATO and allied forces would continue to provide support, training, and resources. The event underscored the efforts to empower Afghan forces to maintain security and stability as foreign troops planned for complete withdrawal.

On December 28, 2014, NATO formally ended its combat mission in Afghanistan, officially concluding the 13-year-long Operation Enduring Freedom. This marked the transition to a new mission, Resolute Support, aimed at training, advising, and assisting Afghan security forces. While combat operations ceased, thousands of NATO troops remained in the country to support peace efforts and stability. The end of the combat mission highlighted efforts to shift responsibility to Afghan forces and underscored ongoing challenges in the region's security landscape.