OEF stands for Operation Enduring Freedom. It was the official name given to the United States military campaign that began in October 2001, following the September 11 attacks. OEF was launched with the primary objective of dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the attacks, primarily Al-Qaeda, and to remove the Taliban regime in Afghanistan that provided them with a safe haven.
Operation Enduring Freedom involved military operations, intelligence gathering, and humanitarian aid efforts. It encompassed a range of activities including air strikes, ground operations, and training and advising the Afghan National Security Forces. The campaign also aimed to promote stability, security, and reconstruction in Afghanistan.
OEF was not limited to Afghanistan, as it also extended to other countries in the broader region, including the Philippines, Djibouti, and several areas in the Horn of Africa. The operation lasted for over a decade, officially concluding in December 2014.
OEF was a significant military campaign in the post-9/11 era, reflecting the international commitment to combatting terrorism. It brought together various countries as part of an international coalition, contributing troops, resources, and expertise to achieve the mission's objectives. Operation Enduring Freedom remains an important chapter in contemporary military and geopolitical history.
