Operation Enduring Freedom Dates

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The United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom on October 7, 2001, in direct response to the devastating September 11 terrorist attacks. This military campaign marked the beginning of a complex and prolonged conflict that would become the longest war in American history, spanning nearly two decades and fundamentally reshaping global counterterrorism efforts.

Origins and Initial Military Campaign

On that fateful October morning in 2001, American and British warplanes began striking Taliban forces and al-Qaeda targets. The initial military strategy involved a collaborative approach, with U.S. special forces working closely with the Northern Alliance, a coalition of Afghan military groups opposed to the Taliban regime.

Key Early Milestones

• September 26, 2001: CIA’s Jawbreaker team arrives in Afghanistan
• October 7, 2001: First airstrikes commence
• November 9, 2001: Northern Alliance captures Mazar-i-Sharif
• November 13, 2001: Taliban unexpectedly flee Kabul
• December 6, 2001: Kandahar falls, effectively ending initial Taliban control

Operational Expansion and Scope

Operation Enduring Freedom was not confined solely to Afghanistan. The U.S. military utilized this operational banner for multiple counterterrorism missions across different global regions, including:

• Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines
• Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa
• Operation Enduring Freedom - Trans Sahara
• Operation Enduring Freedom - Caribbean and Central America

Transition and Conclusion

After 13 years of active combat operations, President Barack Obama officially announced the conclusion of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on December 28, 2014. The mission was subsequently succeeded by Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, which continued until September 30, 2021.

Lasting Impact

The operation resulted in significant geopolitical changes, including the removal of the Taliban from power and disruption of al-Qaeda’s operational capabilities. However, it also came with substantial human costs, with over 2,200 American service members losing their lives during the conflict.

🇺🇸 Note: Operation Enduring Freedom represents a critical chapter in modern military history, demonstrating the complex nature of international counterterrorism efforts.