US invasion of Afghanistan begins with an air assault and covert ground operations

The US invasion of Afghanistan commenced on October 7, 2001, marking the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. This decisive military action was initiated in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks orchestrated by al-Qaeda. The operation began with a powerful aerial bombardment targeting Taliban military infrastructure, training camps, and communication hubs across Afghanistan. Simultaneously, covert ground operations were launched involving special forces such as the CIA's Special Activities Division and US Army Special Forces (Green Berets), who worked alongside anti-Taliban Afghan factions like the Northern Alliance. The primary objectives were to dismantle al-Qaeda’s network and to remove the Taliban regime that harbored them. This invasion signified the beginning of the longest war in American history, fundamentally altering the geopolitical dynamics of the region. The initial phase was marked by swift tactical gains, as US-led forces toppled the Taliban from power within weeks. However, this early success led into a protracted conflict characterized by insurgency warfare, nation-building efforts, and a complex interplay of regional politics. The operation highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, where traditional combat was fused with intelligence-led missions and coalition diplomacy. #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife #HistoryUnfolded #WarOnTerror #AfghanistanConflict #OperationEnduringFreedom #GlobalSecurity