The Long Haul: Canada's Enduring Presence In The Afghanistan Conflict

Canada's war in Afghanistan, which lasted from 2001 to 2014, was the country's longest war and its first significant combat engagement since the Korean War. Canada joined an international coalition to destroy the al-Qaeda terrorist network and overthrow the Taliban regime that supported it, following the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Canadian soldiers fought alongside NATO and Afghan partners, engaging in large-scale battles and daily firefights, while also contributing to reconstruction efforts and attempting to win the trust of the local population. The war cost Canada at least $18 billion, and more than 40,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces served in the conflict, with 158 Canadian soldiers losing their lives.

Canada's role in the Afghanistan War

Canada's war in Afghanistan, which lasted from 2001 to 2014, was its longest war and cost at least $18 billion. Over 40,000 members of the Canadian Forces served in the country during this period, alongside many other Canadians who worked in a government capacity, with NGOs, or as journalists. Canada's initial goal was to oust the Taliban and punish al-Qaeda militants in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. This later evolved into a broader mission to support the Afghan government in creating a "secure, democratic, and self-sustaining nation state".

Canada's involvement in Afghanistan included six operations and heavy fighting, resulting in 158 Canadian soldiers losing their lives, alongside thousands of Afghan civilians. One of the key battles was Operation Medusa in September 2006, where Canadian forces decisively defeated Taliban fighters in the rural districts of Panjwa'i and Zhari near Kandahar City. However, this victory was only tactical, as the Taliban shifted their strategy to small-group guerrilla-type attacks and subterfuge.

Following the fall of the Taliban, Canada's role shifted to providing security and support for Afghanistan's new government. This included assisting with rebuilding the country's system of government, education, and security forces under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Canada also identified three signature development projects in Kandahar: rehabilitating the Dahla Dam and its irrigation system, building or repairing 50 schools, and expanding support for polio immunization.

Despite Canada's efforts, the overall international mission to stabilize Afghanistan following the toppling of the Taliban regime fell short of success. While there were important gains in national development indicators such as education and women's rights, these improvements were heavily dependent on the presence of foreign military and aid money. Additionally, security conditions in Kandahar worsened, and the Taliban adapted their strategies to intimidate and exert influence over the local population.

In conclusion, Canada's role in the Afghanistan War was significant and costly, both in terms of resources and human lives. While there were some tactical victories and development gains, the overall goal of creating a stable and secure Afghanistan remained elusive. The war also raised questions about the capacity of Canadian political and military leaders to speak frankly with Canadians about the challenges and losses incurred during the conflict.

Canada's naval contribution

Canada's maritime forces served as part of Operation Apollo, Operation Altair, and Operation Saiph. The last operation had a greater focus on the Horn of Africa.

Canada was the first coalition nation after the United States to send warships to the Southwest Asia operational theatre. It was Canada's largest naval commitment since the Second World War.

Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships were sent to the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf with the principal task of maintaining control of the maritime area of operations. In total, 15 different ships were deployed to the region to support military operations in Afghanistan, participate in the defence of United States Navy ships transporting US ground and air forces, and support multinational counterterrorism activities in the region at sea.

The busiest naval deployment occurred during Operation Apollo, from 2001 to 2003, during which 15 Canadian warships from bases in Halifax and Esquimalt were sent to the region. In January 2002, as many as six Canadian ships, with 1,500 personnel, were operating simultaneously in the area.

Canada's combat role

In October 2001, Canada sent its first element of soldiers from Joint Task Force 2, and the first contingents of regular Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) troops arrived in Afghanistan in January–February 2002. The CAF's initial role was to protect Kandahar Airfield and support American operations.

In 2003, Canada joined the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital. In 2005, they returned to Kandahar province, in southern Afghanistan. Canada's initial commitment of a provincial reconstruction team was broadened to include a battle group.

In 2006, Canada's role in the conflict grew when Canadian troops relieved US forces in Kandahar province, taking command of the multinational brigade in the region during a major Taliban offensive. Canada also commanded the multinational brigade for Regional Command South, a main military force in the region. Canadian soldiers fought alongside NATO and Afghan partners to secure key areas from the Taliban. They were engaged in large-scale battles and daily firefights, and braved roads seeded with improvised bombs.

In 2008, the mission was expanded to include an air wing. Over six years, Canadian forces protected development projects and tried to win the trust of the local population. They also took part in large-scale offensives against massed Taliban forces, including Operation Medusa in September 2006, which involved more than 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces members and was Canada's largest combat operation in over 50 years.

Canada's peacekeeping role

Canada's peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan were guided by its "3D" approach, which combined diplomatic, developmental, and defence efforts. Canadian diplomats assisted the Afghan people in rebuilding their country's institutions, while Canadian aid workers undertook numerous humanitarian and long-term development projects.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) played a crucial role in maintaining stability and security in the country. They participated in large-scale battles and daily firefights, protected development projects, and worked to gain the trust of the local population. The CAF also contributed to the training of the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police.

Canada's peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan were not without controversy. There were concerns about the treatment of Taliban prisoners captured by Canadian forces and handed over to Afghan authorities, who allegedly tortured them. Additionally, there was growing public opposition to the war, with many questioning the cost and scope of Canada's involvement.

Canada's combat role in Afghanistan ended in 2011, and the last of its service members left the country in March 2014. However, Canada continued to provide support through training and development initiatives. Overall, more than 40,000 CAF members served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014, making it the largest Canadian military deployment since World War II.

Canada's exit from Afghanistan

In 2011, Canada shifted its focus from combat operations to training Afghanistan's army and police force. This transition marked a significant change in the country's involvement, as the bulk of its troops were withdrawn, leaving only a small contingent of soldiers stationed in Kabul.

During this period, Canada continued to play an active role in the region. It contributed to the training of Afghan security forces and remained engaged in various development projects. Notably, Canada invested in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, focusing on improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

However, Canada's presence in Afghanistan was not without controversy. The country faced criticism for its handling of the Afghan detainee scandal, which involved allegations of prisoner abuse after handing over Taliban prisoners to Afghan security forces. This scandal sparked intense political debates and even threatened to topple the minority government at the time.

In March 2014, Canada's military role in Afghanistan officially came to an end with the closure of the Kabul mission. The last Canadian troops departed the country, marking the conclusion of a 12-year military engagement.

Despite the withdrawal of its military forces, Canada continued to maintain diplomatic relations with Afghanistan. However, in August 2021, as the Taliban regained control of the country and the security situation deteriorated, Canada was forced to evacuate its embassy and citizens. This marked another challenging chapter in Canada's involvement in Afghanistan, with efforts focused on ensuring the safe exit of its citizens and allies.

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