Article 5 Invoked After 9/11 Attacks

Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty is a pivotal clause that mandates collective defense among NATO member states. This article stipulates that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all, obligating each member to assist the attacked state. The invocation of Article 5 occurred in response to the September 11 attacks, marking a historic moment as it was the first and only time this provision was activated since the treaty's inception. The attacks, which resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, prompted a unified response from NATO allies, demonstrating the alliance's commitment to collective security. Following the invocation, NATO initiated a military operation in Afghanistan under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and stabilizing the region. This operation represented a shift in NATO's role, transitioning from a primarily defensive alliance to one engaged in crisis management and combat operations beyond its traditional boundaries.