Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) was the official name given to the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan, initiated in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. Launched on October 7, 2001, the primary objectives of OEF were to remove the Taliban regime from power, eliminate al-Qaeda’s safe havens in Afghanistan, and capture or kill key al-Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden. The operation marked the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism and paved the way for a broader, long-term engagement in Afghanistan.

Background:

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, which were carried out by the al-Qaeda terrorist organization, the United States demanded that the Taliban, then the ruling power in Afghanistan, hand over al-Qaeda’s leader, Osama bin Laden, and dismantle the group’s training camps. When the Taliban refused, the United States and its allies launched a military intervention with the goal of eliminating the terrorist threat.

Initial Military Campaign:

Operation Enduring Freedom began with airstrikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan, accompanied by the insertion of U.S. and British special forces. The campaign aimed to quickly dismantle the Taliban’s military capabilities and create an opening for the Northern Alliance, an Afghan opposition group, to advance on key cities. By late 2001, the coalition forces and the Northern Alliance had successfully ousted the Taliban from power in Kabul, and by early 2002, they had taken control of most of the country.

The Hunt for Osama bin Laden:

A central component of OEF was the pursuit of Osama bin Laden and other high-ranking al-Qaeda members. The coalition forces launched a series of operations to locate and capture these individuals. Despite initial setbacks, the hunt for bin Laden ultimately culminated in his death on May 2, 2011, during Operation Neptune Spear, a covert mission carried out by U.S. Navy SEALs in Pakistan.

Nation-Building and Counterinsurgency:

With the fall of the Taliban regime, the focus of OEF shifted to the stabilization of Afghanistan and the establishment of a democratic government. The United States and its allies worked to build up Afghanistan’s security forces, create institutions, and foster economic development. However, these efforts were met with significant challenges, as the Taliban and other insurgent groups waged a protracted guerrilla war against the coalition forces and the Afghan government.

Drawdown and Conclusion:

By 2011, the United States and its NATO allies had begun a gradual withdrawal of their forces from Afghanistan, handing over security responsibilities to Afghan forces. Operation Enduring Freedom officially concluded on December 28, 2014, when NATO’s combat mission came to an end, and was succeeded by Operation Resolute Support, a follow-on mission focused on training, advising, and assisting the Afghan security forces.

Legacy:

Operation Enduring Freedom marked the beginning of the United States’ longest-running war, spanning over 13 years. While the operation achieved its initial goals of removing the Taliban from power and eliminating key al-Qaeda figures, Afghanistan continues to face ongoing challenges related to security, governance, and development. The long-term effects of OEF and the coalition’s engagement in Afghanistan remain a topic of debate, underscoring the complexities of modern counterinsurgency and nation-building efforts.