The following are events related to the Global War On Terrorism (GWOT) that took place on this day.

2001

• The United States Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, was ceremoniously reopened as Marines raised the same flag that was hastily lowered by Marine Security Guards when the embassy was evacuated on 31 January 1989. In 1979, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Adolph Dubs, a former Marine and World War II veteran, was kidnapped and murdered by extremists. While barely operational for the next ten years, it was evacuated in preparation for the tumult expected to follow the withdrawal of Soviet troops.
• Eleven Marines were among the eighty-five servicemembers and civilians recognized for their efforts immediately following the 11 September attack on the Pentagon. The Marines were all awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and two also received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Called “heroes” by the Honorable Gordon England, Secretary of the Navy, those honored risked their lives to assist the victims of the attack.
• A detention facility was set up at the Marine Corps base at Kandahar International Airport in Afghanistan to house suspected Taliban and al-Qaida fighters. Only able to support 200 detainees, a larger, long-term facility is planned for Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba and should be ready in early 2002.
• End of Battle of Tora Bora in Afghanistan

2003

• Operation Ivy Blizzard in Iraq
• Operation Arrowhead Blizzard in Iraq

Casualties on December 17:

• HOLLAND, CHRISTOPHER JAMES – December 17, 2003
• STANTON, SETH MICHAEL – December 17, 2006
• MCDANIEL, JUCTIN RICHARD PAT – December 17, 2007
• MALDONADO, JOSE LUIS – December 17, 2010
• BILLINGS, RANDY LEE – December 17, 2013
• WILLIAMS, JESSE LEE – December 17, 2013