When did the United States invade Afghanistan?

As an expert in international relations and military history, I can provide a detailed account of the United States' invasion of Afghanistan. The U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan, known as Operation Enduring Freedom, began on October 7, 2001. This marked a significant moment in the global war on terror that was declared by the United States following the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The primary objective of the invasion was to dismantle the Taliban regime, which was accused of providing safe haven to Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. The Taliban, a fundamentalist Islamic movement that had seized power in Afghanistan in the 1990s, was seen as a threat to global security due to its ties with international terrorism. The invasion was not only a military operation but also a strategic move to prevent Afghanistan from again becoming a base for terrorist activities. The U.S. and its allies launched a series of air strikes against Taliban and al Qaeda targets, swiftly followed by ground operations involving both Special Forces and conventional troops. The initial phase of the invasion was relatively swift, with the Taliban regime quickly losing control of major cities. However, the conflict evolved into a complex and protracted insurgency, with U.S. and NATO forces facing significant challenges in stabilizing the country and combating a resilient Taliban insurgency. Over the years, the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan fluctuated, with a surge in troops during the Obama administration aimed at securing gains made against the Taliban. Despite significant efforts to build Afghan security forces and establish governance structures, the situation remained volatile. The U.S. involvement in Afghanistan spanned nearly two decades, with the final withdrawal of U.S. troops occurring in August 2021. The end of the U.S. military presence marked a new chapter in Afghanistan's history, though the country continues to face numerous challenges, including political instability and the resurgence of the Taliban. It's important to note that the invasion and subsequent military operations had profound implications for the region and the world. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of populations, and economic hardship for Afghanistan. It also had a broader impact on international relations, particularly in terms of counter-terrorism efforts and the balance of power in Central Asia. The date October 7, 2001, will be remembered as the start of a long and costly military campaign that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.

The United States first invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Bush administration accused the country's then Taliban government of sheltering al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, who had masterminded the previous month's September 11 terrorist attacks.Oct 31, 2017