October 7th marked the tenth anniversary of the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. This campaign, which seeks to battle terror around the globe, came in direct response to the attacks of September 11th. Over those 10 years, with help from our friends and allies around the globe, we have weakened the Taliban in Afghanistan, brought Osama bin Laden to justice, and have made gains in building Afghanistan into an ally in a region of importance for our country. Without the efforts of our men and women in uniform and our allies, this all would not have been possible.
Within a few short weeks of the attack on our nation, our servicemembers, along with elements of our intelligence community were on the ground in Afghanistan. With little time for preparation, these brave Americans linked up with Afghani forces in opposition to the Taliban, and began the push to root out those who used the country as a base for the export of terror. Using twenty-first century technology such as laser guided munitions, and night vision goggles, along with the centuries old strategy of waging battle on horseback; they brought America’s answer to our enemies.
In the time since our military and our allies have begun the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan – building bridges, dams, and schools in remote outposts often untouched by basic infrastructure we enjoy at home. Our men and women in uniform have acted as liberator, protector, and ambassador in a cause in which over 1,700 Americans have given their lives. Operation Enduring Freedom has served as a turning point for our nation and our military. It has required us to change and adapt in a way we have not been required to before.
Following the attacks of September 11th, our allies also answered our attackers. On October 4th, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) invoked Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. Article 5 states that “The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.” With that, we had the basis for a coalition to respond to the attacks which killed nearly 3,000 innocent civilians.
This transatlantic security partnership was created as an answer to mounting Soviet aggression during the Cold War. The 21st century has seen NATO transform into a network of allies united in opposition to terror and those who promote its use, as well as an organization committed to collective defense. In the time since Article 5 was invoked, 953 NATO and ally servicemembers have given their lives in defense of preserving freedom.
Upon this solemn 10th anniversary of the initiation of Operation Enduring Freedom, I would like to thank our servicemembers, intelligence agents, and countless others throughout our government who have served in Afghanistan and around the globe. These men and women have volunteered to serve in hostile conditions, in an effort to root out terror at its source. As we continue this battle to maintain our freedoms here in America, we must remember their sacrifices, and those of our allies. There is a calling which will endure the test of time and will result in defeating terror.