Parliamentary Committee Notes: Afghanistan mission (2001 to 2014)
Canada has always stood ready to answer the call of our Allies, and contribute to international peace and security.
In the wake of the September 11th attacks, Canada took part in the United Nations-sanctioned and NATO-led mission to address terrorism in Afghanistan and help Afghans re-build their country.
In Afghanistan, the Canadian Armed Forces conducted three principal operations: APOLLO, ATHENA, and ATTENTION, which focused on establishing and enhancing security in the region, driving out insurgent groups, training Afghan security forces, and delivering programs and projects.
Canada's whole-of-government effort included a substantial military force, as well as diplomats, development workers, police officers, and experts in human rights, democratic institutions, and the rule of law.
Over the course of the mission, more than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members served in Afghanistan, making it Canada's largest deployment since the Second World War.
It was also one of the most costly, as 158 men and women in uniform gave their lives in service to Canada, and thousands more carry physical and mental scars from their service.
The whole-of-government Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team worked with local authorities to encourage reform initiatives and coordinate development projects.
The last members of the Canadian Armed Forces left Afghanistan in March 2014, ending Canada's military mission but leaving behind a legacy of courage, sacrifice and support.
Key facts
2001 to 2014: Canadian Armed Forces involvement in Afghanistan was primarily conducted under Operations APOLLO, ATHENA, and ATTENTION.
Operation APOLLO (2001 to 2003)
Canada contributed naval, air, and ground forces in support of the international campaign against terrorism.
Deployed
A naval task group composed of six warships and 1,500 personnel at its peak in January 2002.
Three air detachments used to assist medical evacuations, troop resupply, intelligence gathering, and personnel movement.
Hundreds of ground troops who worked alongside US forces to expel the Taliban from their strongholds.
Beginning in December 2001, Canadian Special Operations Forces worked closely with their United States counterparts to disrupt the Taliban and al-Qaeda in southern Afghanistan.
Operation ATHENA (2003 to 2011)
Canada's contribution of peace-support and combat forces to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
The Canadian Armed Forces contributed forces to secure their area of operations and set the conditions for economic and political development.
At its peak, the Canadian battle group included nearly 3,000 personnel, who:
Helped establish and enhance security in and around Afghanistan's capital, Kabul.
Conducted combat operations in Kandahar province in support of broader development objectives.
Assisted in building the Afghan National Security Forces' capacity.
December 2008 to August 2011: An air wing was deployed, which provided tactical airlift support to Canadian and Allied forces as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Canadian Special Operations Forces also contributed to peace support operations as part of Operation ATHENA between 2003 and 2011.
Operation ATTENTION (2011 to 2014)
Canada's mission relocated to Kabul to focus on training and developing the national security forces of Afghanistan.
The Canadian Armed Forces
Trained more than 160 Afghan Kandaks (battalion sized units).
Established basic recruit training institutions.
Provided training in medicine, logistics, signals and air operations.
Canada's contribution to NATO-Training Mission Afghanistan was the second largest in the coalition.
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