Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) was the official name used by the U.S. government for the initial phase (2001–2014) of the War in Afghanistan, launched in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It began on October 7, 2001, with airstrikes against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The operation aimed to destroy terrorist training camps and infrastructure, capture Al-Qaeda leaders, and stop terrorist activities in Afghanistan
. Beyond Afghanistan, OEF also encompassed various counterterrorism operations in other regions, including the Philippines, the Horn of Africa, and the Trans-Sahara, targeting terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf, Al-Qaeda, and Jemaah Islamiyah. These operations combined military actions with humanitarian aid and training for local forces to prevent the resurgence of terrorist cells
. The operation was initially named "Operation Infinite Justice" but was renamed to avoid offending Muslims, as the original name implied a divine attribute exclusive to God
. Operation Enduring Freedom officially ended on December 28, 2014, and was succeeded by Operation Freedom's Sentinel for continued U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. The broader War in Afghanistan lasted until the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021
. In summary, Operation Enduring Freedom was a U.S.-led military campaign primarily focused on dismantling terrorist networks in Afghanistan and other regions as part of the Global War on Terrorism from 2001 to 2014
