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Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) was the name the U.S. government used for part of the war in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014. It started after the September 11 attacks in 2001. On October 7, 2001, President George W. Bush said that airstrikes had begun against groups called al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Operation Enduring Freedom was also used for important military actions around the world to fight against terrorism. These included places like the OEF-Philippines and OEF-Trans Sahara. After thirteen years, on December 28, 2014, President Barack Obama announced that Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan had ended. After that, U.S. military actions in Afghanistan continued under a new name, Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
Subordinate operations
Operation Enduring Freedom was the name for important military actions led by the United States. It began in Afghanistan and later included efforts in other countries to stop groups like Al Qaeda and the Taliban. These actions took place in places such as the Philippines, the Horn of Africa, and parts of Central America.
- Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), 7 October 2001–31 December 2014. Succeeded by Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
- Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines (OEF-P, formerly Operation Freedom Eagle), 15 January 2002 – 24 February 2015
- Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa (OEF-HOA)
- Operation Juniper Shield, formerly known as Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara (OEF-TS; see also Insurgency in the Maghreb)
- Operation Enduring Freedom – Caribbean and Central America (OEF-CCA)
- Operation Enduring Freedom – Kyrgyzstan, 18 December 2001 – 3 June 2014
Etymology
The U.S. government used the term "Operation Enduring Freedom" to describe the War in Afghanistan from October 7, 2001, to December 31, 2014. Later actions in Afghanistan were called Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
The operation was first named "Operation Infinite Justice," but the name was changed. Some people thought this name might upset many Muslims, who are the majority in Afghanistan. This decision may have been influenced by a comment made by U.S. President George W. Bush.
The term "OEF" usually refers to the part of the war in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014. Other operations, like the Georgia Train and Equip Program, were only loosely connected. All these efforts focused on counterterrorism work.
Operation Enduring Freedom was a joint effort by the U.S., U.K., and Afghanistan. It was separate from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), an operation led by North Atlantic Treaty Organization nations, including the U.S. and the U.K. Both operations happened at the same time.
Overview
On September 11th, 2001, a group called Al Qaeda carried out terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C. In response, President George W. Bush began what he called a war on terror. On October 7, 2001, military operations known as Operation Enduring Freedom began. This included airstrikes using bombers and fighters from ships and land bases, as well as missiles.
The main goals were to destroy training camps and bases used by terrorists in Afghanistan, capture leaders of the terrorist group, and stop terrorist activities there. Later, U.S. forces helped train and support military teams in other countries, like the Philippines and Djibouti, to fight terrorist groups and provide aid such as building schools and clinics.
Main article: September 11 attacks
United States Special Operations Command Pacific
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan
Taliban
The Taliban took control of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 after the Soviet Union left. They made very strict rules. They banned music, television, and sports. They also restricted women's rights, not letting them work or appear in public in many situations. The Taliban destroyed important statues because they did not agree with their religious views.
In 1996, a man named Osama bin Laden moved to Afghanistan. He worked closely with the Taliban and his group called al-Qaeda.
U.S.-led coalition action
Main article: War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
After the events of September 11, 2001, the United States believed that Osama bin Laden was responsible. The U.S. asked the Taliban to hand over leaders of al-Qaeda and close training camps. The Taliban refused.
On October 7, 2001, the U.S. and the United Kingdom began military actions against the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
Combat operations start
American and British planes attacked Taliban forces. The Northern Alliance, with help from U.S. special forces, fought against the Taliban. With support from U.S. bombing, they took control of many areas, including the capital city, Kabul, by November 2001. The Taliban lost most of their power and fled to other countries.
Fighting continued in southern Afghanistan, where the Taliban had retreated. In 2002, large operations were carried out to target remaining al-Qaeda members.
International support
Main article: Participants in Operation Enduring Freedom
Many countries supported the United States during this operation.
Result
The coalition forces removed the Taliban from power and weakened al-Qaeda. Afghanistan held its first direct elections in 2004, and many schools and buildings were constructed. However, the Taliban continued to fight back, and by 2021, they had taken control of most of the country again. The U.S. and its allies left Afghanistan in 2021.
Criticism
Main article: Criticism of the war on terror
Some people criticized the name of the operation. Reports also mentioned concerns about the effects of the conflict on the region.
Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines (OEF-P)
Abu Sayyaf Group
Main article: Abu Sayyaf
The Abu Sayyaf Group wants to create an Islamic state in parts of the Philippines. It is based on islands like Jolo, Basilan, and Mindanao. Since the 1990s, the group has done bad things like bombings and kidnappings.
Jemaah Islamiyah
Main article: Jemaah Islamiyah
Jemaah Islamiyah also wants to create an Islamic state in Southeast Asia. It started with peaceful ideas but later turned to harmful actions. This group is linked to other harmful groups and has been blamed for several bombings.
U.S. actions
In 2002, the United States sent special forces to help the Philippines fight these harmful groups. They trained Philippine soldiers and helped with important tasks. The goal was to make the Philippine government stronger and safer.
Result
The efforts helped reduce the number of harmful group members and recover a hostage. The operation also included building schools and clinics, helping thousands of people.
Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa (OEF-HOA)
Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa helped stop terrorist activities and supported local countries in keeping terrorist groups away. It started in 2002 at Camp Lemonnier. Special forces and support from several U.S. bases were part of this effort. Later, a larger group called CJTF-HOA was formed in Djibouti. This group included about 2,000 military personnel and ships from many countries. Their main job was to watch for and stop suspicious ships from entering the area.
The operation also helped train the armed forces of Djibouti, Kenya, and Ethiopia. They taught these forces ways to fight terrorism and uprisings. They also built schools and clinics and provided medical help in these countries. The training later included Chad, Niger, Mauritania, and Mali. The coalition worked to stop pirates and supported efforts in Somalia.
Military decorations
Since 2002, the United States military has made special awards for service in Operation Enduring Freedom. One of these is the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
NATO also made a special award for this operation, called the Non-Article 5 ISAF NATO Medal.
Images
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