Canada's role in the invasion of Afghanistan
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Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 in the United States, Canada was the third largest contributor to the invasion of Afghanistan, after the United States and the United Kingdom. Of the approximately 15,000 Canadian troops who have been stationed in Afghanistan, 2,300 remain as the standard complement as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
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[edit] Background
In September 2001, after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Minister of National Defence Art Eggleton authorized more than 100 Canadian Forces members serving on military exchange programs in the US and other countries to participate in US operations in Afghanistan, aimed at identifying and neutralizing Al Qaeda members in that country, as well as toppling the Taliban regime which was claimed to be supporting international terrorism.
The Canadian government defines Canada's current mission in Afghanistan as follows:[1]
- Defend our national interests;
- Ensure Canadian leadership in world affairs; and
- Help Afghanistan rebuild.
[edit] Missions
Although not participating in the opening days of the invasion, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced on October 7 that Canada would contribute forces to the international force being formed to conduct a campaign against terrorism. General Ray Henault, the Chief of the Defence Staff issued preliminary orders to several CF units, as Operation Apollo was established. The Canadian commitment was originally planned to last to October 2003.
In March 2002, Canadian forces undertook Operation Harpoon as part of Operation Anaconda in the Shah-i-Kot Valley. Other forces in the country provided garrison and security troops; in April 2002 four soldiers were killed in the Tarnak Farm incident when a US aircraft dropped a bomb on a routine live-fire range exercise believing the Canadians to be enemy forces.
[edit] Operation Athena
In August 2003, Operation Athena began outside Kabul as part of ISAF, with a 1,900-strong Canadian task force providing assistance to civilian infrastructure such as well-digging and repair of local buildings.
In March 2004, Canada committed $250 million in aid to Afghanistan, and $5 million to support the 2004 Afghan election.[2]
On February 13, 2005 Defence Minister Bill Graham announced Canada was doubling the number of troops in Afghanistan by the coming summer, from 600 troops in Kabul to 1200.[3]
Operation Athena ended following the national elections in December 2005 and the fulfilment of the stated aim of "rebuilding the democratic process" in Afghanistan.[4]
[edit] Renewed commitments - Operation Archer
Operation Archer followed Athena beginning in February 2006. By the spring of 2006, Canada had a major role in southern Afghanistan, with Task Force Afghanistan being a Battle Group of 2,300 soldiers based at Kandahar. Canada also commanded the Multi-National Brigade for Command South, a main military force in the region. In May 2006, the Canadian government extended Canadian military commitments to Afghanistan by two years, replacing earlier plans to withdraw soldiers in 2006.
Additionally, Foreign Affairs Canada has stated that the commitment is more than just military, employing a "a whole of government approach" in which a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), utilizing personnel from the military, Foreign Affairs, the Canadian International Development Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, provides a dual role of security as well as reconstruction of the country and political structure.[4]
On February 28, 2006, command of the forces in southern Afghanistan transferred from U.S. Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry to Canadian Brigadier-General David Fraser in a ceremony at Kandahar Airfield.
Canadian contacts with enemy insurgents increased in 2006, with hundreds of Taliban killed and a number of Canadian soldiers being killed and wounded in suicide attacks and combat.
In July 2006, and in September and October 2006, Canadian troops spearheaded the Battle of Panjwaii.
On July 14, Canadian forces executed its first operational airdrop to resupply its soldiers since the Korean War.
On July 31, ISAF took over a majority of forces in Kandahar, Helmand and Oruzgan provinces.
On September 15, The Canadian government committed a squadron of Leopard tanks from Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), and an additional 200-500 troops to Afghanistan. Canada is the only natio so far to deply armour to Afghanistan. [5]
[edit] Opposition to war
Operation Archer is politically controversial, both among activist groups and members of Parliament. On August 31, New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton called for the withdrawal of Canadian troops from the south of Afghanistan, to begin immediately and soon afterwards pursue peace negotiations with the Taliban insurgents. He argued that the mission lacked clear objectives and measures of success, and that the counter-insurgency operation was undermining reconstruction in Afghanistan.[6]
Current Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper's support of the Afghanistan mission has been repeatedly critized by other political players, including some Liberals. In September 2006, CBC columnist Larry Zolf discusses the oft-repeated accusation that Harper is a "puppet" of Bush:
Linking Harper to Bush has been a staple of the NDP and the left of the Liberal party since the Harper mission in Afghanistan started. Harper's defence of his war in Afghanistan is that he's not a prisoner of Bush but is simply carrying on a mission started by the Liberals. And he's right. Still, the charge that Harper is a Bush puppet is sticking, and it's hurting Harper as both he and Bush are dropping in the polls. Afghanistan is not only stopping Harper's quest for a majority government – it could even cost him the next election.
On October 28, 2006, peace groups in 40 cities and towns across the country held protests to demand the troops be brought home from Afghanistan.[7]
[edit] Awards
On October 27, 2006, Sgt. Patrick Tower of the PPCLI became the first Canadian soldier to be given the Star of Military Valour. It came as a result of actions on August 3, 2006, where he assumed command of his platoon under fire, and escorted them to safety.
[edit] Other missions
- Canada has assisted in the collection, storage and decommissioning of 10,000 heavy weapons left in Afghanistan including artillery, tanks and rocket launchers, used in decades of conflict in the country.[4]
- Canada has helped clear about one third of the estimated 10 to 15 million mines in Afghanistan.[4]
- Canada has loaned money to over 140,000 people in Afghanistan.[4]
- Canada has helped train the Afghan police and army.[4]
[edit] Fatalities
The Canadian forces has suffered 44 fatalities involving its soldiers in Afghanistan. A Canadian diplomat and a civilian have also been killed. Canada has suffered the second highest number of fatal casualties of any nation in the Allied Force, just ahead of the United Kingdom and behind the United States.[8] For more details, please see the main article at Canadian Forces casualties in Afghanistan.
[edit] Bases
[edit] Diplomatic ties
On January 25, 2002 Canada officially re-established diplomatic relations with Afghanistan. This was followed by the opening of Canada's Embassy in Kabul in September 2003. Canada's current serving representative is Ambassador David Sproule.
[edit] References
[edit] See also
 |
| Military history of Canada: Wars in the 20th century |
| Second Boer War |
| First World War |
| Russian Civil War |
| Spanish Civil War |
| Second World War |
| Korean War |
| Cold War |
| Vietnam War |
| Invasion of Afghanistan |
| Iraq War |
- Afghanistan War order of battle
- Taliban insurgency
- Operation Archer
- Operation Medusa
- ISAF
- Provincial Reconstruction Team
- Britain's role in the 2001-present Afghan war
