Key Facts
- Duration
- 13 years (2001–2014)
- Start date
- 7 October 2001
- End date
- 28 December 2014
- Trigger
- September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States
- Successor operation
- Operation Freedom's Sentinel
Strategic Narrative Overview
On 7 October 2001, U.S. and coalition forces began airstrikes against al-Qaeda and Taliban targets in Afghanistan. The Taliban regime collapsed within weeks, but al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters regrouped and waged a prolonged insurgency. OEF also extended to counterterrorism missions in the Philippines, Trans-Sahara Africa, and other regions under separate sub-operations, reflecting the global scope of the campaign.
01 / The Origins
The September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, carried out by al-Qaeda operatives operating under Taliban protection in Afghanistan, prompted President George W. Bush to launch a military response. The U.S. demanded the Taliban surrender al-Qaeda leadership; when refused, Washington assembled a coalition and prepared to strike Afghanistan, framing the effort as part of a broader global war on terrorism.
03 / The Outcome
On 28 December 2014, President Barack Obama formally declared the end of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan after 13 years of combat operations. U.S. and NATO forces transitioned to a reduced advisory and counterterrorism role under the successor mission Operation Freedom's Sentinel, while the Afghan government remained under continued pressure from Taliban insurgents.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
George W. Bush, Barack Obama.
Side B
2 belligerents