Canadian Forces' Role In Afghanistan: A Comprehensive Overview

Canada has had a notable presence in Afghanistan since 2001, when the country joined a US-led coalition to overthrow the Taliban regime. The Canadian mission in Afghanistan has involved providing security and support for the country's government, as well as aiding in the rebuilding of Afghanistan's systems of government, education, and security forces. Canada's involvement in Afghanistan is considered to be the largest and most significant combat operation undertaken by the country since the Korean War. Canadian special forces will once again be deployed to Afghanistan to aid in the evacuation of staff from Canada's embassy in Kabul.

Canada's involvement in the war on terror

Canada's role in the conflict grew in 2006 when Canadian troops relieved US forces in Kandahar, taking command of the multinational brigade in the region during a major Taliban offensive. Later operations focused on security, reconstruction, and training the Afghan National Army and Police. Canada's efforts in Afghanistan included improving irrigation systems, roads, bridges, schools, and immunization programs.

Canada's military contribution to the War on Terror also extended beyond Afghanistan. Canadian warships were sent to southwest Asia as part of a US-led counter-terrorism naval campaign from 2001 to 2012. Additionally, Canada lent its support to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, starting in December 2001.

Canada concluded its combat operations in Afghanistan in 2011 and officially left the country in 2014. Over the course of the 12-year campaign, more than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members served, with 158 soldiers and 7 civilians losing their lives. The conflict also took a significant toll on the mental health of Canadian veterans, with many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Canada's role in overthrowing the Taliban regime

Canada played a significant role in overthrowing the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, following the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States. The Taliban had provided a safe haven for al-Qaeda, the terrorist organisation behind the attacks, and its leader, Osama bin Laden.

Canada joined an international coalition to destroy al-Qaeda and overthrow the Taliban regime, marking its first significant combat engagement since the Korean War. In October 2001, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced that Canada would contribute air, land, and sea forces to the campaign.

Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan began in late 2001, with the secret deployment of soldiers from Joint Task Force 2. The first contingents of regular Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) troops arrived in Afghanistan in January-February 2002, with the goal of identifying and neutralising al-Qaeda members and toppling the Taliban regime.

Canada's role in the conflict grew in 2006 when Canadian troops relieved US forces in Kandahar province, taking command of the multinational brigade during a major Taliban offensive. Canadian forces engaged in combat operations against the Taliban, provided security for humanitarian operations, and supported the new interim Afghan government.

Canada's military contribution included combat operations, security maintenance, and training for the Afghan National Army and Police. They also facilitated development projects, such as the Dahla Dam and irrigation system, road improvements, school construction, and immunisation programs.

Canada's involvement in Afghanistan extended beyond military operations. Canadian diplomats, development workers, police officers, and experts in various fields contributed to the reconstruction and development of the country. The overall goal was to help Afghans rebuild their nation into a stable, democratic, and self-sufficient society.

Canada's military operations in Afghanistan concluded in 2011, and the last CAF soldiers left the country in March 2014, marking the end of Canada's 12-year military presence.

Canada's support for the new Afghan government

Canada's role in the Afghanistan War began in late 2001, with the aim of identifying and neutralizing Al-Qaeda members in the country and toppling the Taliban regime, which supported international terrorism. After the fall of the Taliban, the Canadian mission in Afghanistan shifted to providing security and support for the country's new government. Canada has assisted the Afghan government in rebuilding the country's system of government, education, and security forces.

• Security and Counter-Insurgency: Canadian Forces played a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations against the Taliban, particularly in Kandahar. These operations aimed to drive out insurgents, maintain security, and create a stable environment for development and reconstruction. By the end of their mission in 2011, Canadian Forces had achieved significant gains in security and reduced violence in the region.
• Training of Afghan Security Forces: Canadian Forces were actively involved in training members of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF). This included training the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the Afghan National Police. Canadian mentors worked closely with Afghan security forces to improve their operational skills and capabilities, enabling them to take the lead in maintaining security.
• Reconstruction and Development: Canada contributed to major reconstruction projects in Afghanistan, including the Dahla Dam and irrigation system, improvement of roads and bridges, construction of schools, and immunization programs. These efforts were aimed at supporting the development and reconstruction of the country.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Canada has a long history of providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, dating back to the 1960s. Since 2001, Canada has provided over $3.9 billion in international assistance to support stabilization, reconstruction, peace, and development efforts. This includes funding for basic services such as health and education, with a particular focus on supporting women and girls.
• Resettling Vulnerable Afghans: Canada has welcomed over 40,000 vulnerable Afghans through various special programs and measures. This includes interpreters, cooks, drivers, cleaners, construction workers, journalists, human rights defenders, and members of religious and ethnic minorities. Canada has also facilitated the evacuation and resettlement of Afghans who worked with Canadian forces and are now at risk of retaliation from the Taliban.
• Diplomatic Relations: Canada established diplomatic relations with Afghanistan in 1968 and opened its Embassy in Kabul in 2003. However, following the Taliban's takeover of the country in 2021, Canada suspended its diplomatic operations and evacuated its personnel. Canada has not recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan and continues to advocate for human rights and an inclusive Afghan government.

The challenges of the military mission

• Security and Combat Operations: The primary challenge was ensuring security and conducting combat operations against insurgent groups, notably the Taliban. Canadian forces engaged in intense firefights, artillery bombardments, and large-scale offensives against the Taliban, who employed guerrilla tactics, roadside bombs, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
• Casualties and Losses: Canadian forces suffered casualties, with 158 soldiers and 7 civilians losing their lives during the war. In addition, more than 2,000 CAF members were wounded or injured. The constant threat of ambushes, firefights, and IEDs took a heavy toll.
• Training and Mentoring: Training and mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), including the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP), was a critical aspect of the mission. Canadian mentors and trainers faced the challenge of building the capacity and capability of the ANSF to enable them to take responsibility for their country's security.
• Countering Insurgency: The Taliban insurgency was a persistent challenge, and Canadian forces found themselves targeted by insurgent attacks, particularly in the volatile Kandahar region. The insurgency was supported by neighbouring Pakistan, providing safe havens and resources, which made it difficult to contain.
• Complex Operational Environment: Afghanistan presented a complex operational environment with harsh terrain, extreme climate, and diverse ethnic groups. Summer temperatures could reach 50°C, and dust storms were common. This posed logistical challenges and impacted the health and performance of personnel.
• Public Opinion and Political Controversy: Public opposition to the war grew over time, with concerns about the rising financial cost and the increasing number of casualties. The mission also faced political controversies, such as the detainee abuse scandal, which led to a decline in public support.
• Reconstruction and Development: In addition to combat operations, Canadian forces were involved in reconstruction and development efforts. They participated in projects like the Dahla Dam, road improvements, school construction, and immunization programs. However, the security situation and the resilient insurgency hindered these efforts.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity: Cultural sensitivity and empathy were essential but challenging aspects of the mission. Canadian soldiers often lacked in-depth knowledge of Afghan culture and local complexities, and some struggled to interact effectively with the local population.
• Transition and Sustainability: The ultimate goal was to help Afghans rebuild their country and establish a stable, democratic, and secure nation. Achieving this goal proved challenging due to the resilient insurgency, governance issues, and the need to transfer security responsibilities to the ANSF.

Canada's training mission in Kabul

The CCTM-A consisted of training advisory groups assigned to the ANA, AAF, and ANP training establishments. They assisted the Afghan leadership and instructor cadre with tasks such as curriculum design and the development of teaching skills. The task force also included senior officers integrated into the NTM-A command team and experienced staff personnel serving at NTM-A Headquarters.

The training mission focused on areas such as instruction skills, leadership development, literacy, vocational skills, and institutional development. It was intended to support the Afghan government in generating and sustaining capable and accountable security forces.

The training mission in Kabul was expected to cost over $500 million for a contingent of 950 soldiers over four years. This was significantly less than the projected $7.9 billion spent on combat operations in Kandahar between 2006 and 2011.

Canada's overall engagement in Afghanistan, including the training mission in Kabul, concluded in March 2014, with the last troops and equipment leaving the country by August of that year.

Frequently asked questions