Operation Enduring Freedom — America's longest war. From the response to 9/11 and the fall of the Taliban through two decades of surges and withdrawals to the collapse of 2021.
America responds to the September 11 attacks and builds a coalition against al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
Explore →U.S. and coalition forces open the air campaign and back the Northern Alliance against the Taliban.
Explore →
By late October the bombing widens and special forces move deeper into Afghanistan.
Explore →
The fight for the mountain caves where Osama bin Laden is cornered — and slips away.
Explore →
The largest set-piece battle of the war, in the Shahi-Kot Valley.
Explore →
A regrouped insurgency returns, opening years of grinding counterinsurgency.
Explore →
NATO assumes command in the south and launches major operations against the Taliban.
Explore →
Heavy fighting across Helmand and Kandahar as the coalition presses the insurgency.
Explore →
Washington orders more troops as violence climbs to its highest levels yet.
Explore →
A new administration escalates, sending tens of thousands more to Afghanistan.
Explore →
The reinforced campaign peaks as coalition strength reaches its height.
Explore →
With bin Laden killed, the U.S. begins drawing down its surge forces.
Explore →
A strategic partnership sets the terms for the transition to Afghan control.
Explore →
Afghan forces take the lead for security as the coalition footprint shrinks.
Explore →
The combat mission formally concludes; a smaller training mission remains.
Explore →
The insurgency seizes ground as Afghan forces struggle to hold the country.
Explore →
U.S. forces withdraw, the Afghan government collapses, and Kabul falls in a chaotic evacuation.
Read on HistoryCentral →The Department of Defense briefing on the opening weeks of the campaign, October 23, 2001.
Read →A status report on the operation as the air and ground campaign developed.
Read →Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on the goals and progress of the war.
Read →Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge addresses the anthrax attacks, October 2001.
Read →Take HistoryCentral with you. Our apps put American history and centuries of the human story in your pocket.