Introduction

After the terrorist attacks, the United States formed an international coalition of support. Canada deployed warships, aircraft, special forces and combat troops to Afghanistan. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization later established the International Security Assistance Force. They set goals to help secure and rebuild Afghanistan. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members at times saw combat during this first phase of the conflict.

Canada pledges support

In early October 2001, Canada pledged its full support to the international fight against terrorism and joined a United Nations coalition. Dozens of countries would join this coalition. The CAF launched Operation Apollo and would contribute land, air and sea forces.

Sending warships

Canada was one of the first coalition nations to send military support to the region. Already overseas, the Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax quickly headed to the Arabian Sea for counter‑terrorism duties. From 2001‑2003, the busiest phase of our navy’s involvement in the conflict, 15 Canadian warships served in the waters off Southwest Asia. This was our country’s largest naval commitment since the Second World War.

Patrolling the seas

Afghanistan has no borders on the sea but Taliban supplies and fighters often arrived in the region by ship. Canadian warships patrolled the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf to search for terrorists. They also stopped vessels to intercept illegal cargoes and cut off activities that were funding the Taliban. Our sailors also offered logistical support and helped defend the other ships of the coalition fleet.

In the air

CAF aircraft would also serve in the region. Aurora patrol aircraft carried out surveillance duties in the waters off Southwest Asia. Hercules and Polaris planes also carried supplies and personnel, and evacuated casualties for treatment.

Troops on the ground

Canadian soldiers soon travelled to Afghanistan itself. The first were commandos from the elite Joint Task Force 2 in December 2001. Other Canadian soldiers followed in January 2002. They were first based in Kandahar Province and also took part in operations in Patkia Province. They joined American, British and other coalition troops already fighting to topple the Taliban regime, eliminate terrorist operations and establish the basis for lasting peace in the troubled country. It was dangerous duty, with the risks of enemy attack and friendly fire incidents being a harsh reality.

Leadership coalition

Canada also contributed senior CAF officers for important leadership roles. They served as military advisors for the international coalition. This group would work to restore peace in Afghanistan through disarmament, demobilization of enemy forces and reintegration. These officers helped organize democratic elections and sought ways to rebuild the war torn country. This coalition also tried to coordinate the many United Nations agencies, funds and support programs working in Afghanistan. They helped in the delivery of humanitarian aid to help the nation recover, as well.

International Security Assistance Force

CAF and other coalition troops' forces were making headway in taking power from the Taliban. Greater attention then turned to the next chapter of the Afghanistan mission. In 2003, the United Nations authorized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to support the Afghan National Security Forces. Canada's participation in the ISAF was codenamed Operation Athena. Our troops began working to stabilize the country and help establish a new Afghan government. Canadian Lieutenant General Rick Hillier would soon command the newly established ISAF.

Canada's initial contribution to the ISAF consisted of more than 700 CAF members. They were stationed in Kabul in the summer of 2003. Two hundred more men and women in uniform provided support elsewhere in Southwest Asia. In Kabul, the Canadians patrolled the western sector of the city. They helped operate the airport and assisted in rebuilding the Afghan National Army.

The Taliban no longer had control of the Afghanistan government and much of the country. But their campaign of violence ramped up in other areas. By 2005, CAF members made plans to leave Kabul and move back to Kandahar Province. Conditions there would sadly prove to be much more dangerous.

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