Description The United Nations authorized an international force – the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) – with a mandate to help the Afghans maintain security in Kabul and surrounding areas. Operating under U.S. General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., ISAF included soldiers from 46 countries, with U.S. troops making up about half its force. ISAF was initially established as a stabilization force by the UN Security Council on 20 December 2001, to secure Kabul. Its mandate did not extend beyond this area for the first few years. On 11 August 2003, NATO assumed political command and coordination of ISAF. On 31 July 2006, ISAF assumed command of the south of the country, and by 5 October 2006, of the east.
Following a Loya jirga, tribal leaders and former exiles established an interim government in Kabul under Hamid Karzai. U.S. forces established their main base at Bagram airbase just north of Kabul. Kandahar airport also became an important U.S. base. Outposts were established in eastern provinces to hunt for Taliban and al-Qaeda fugitives.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
December / 2001
To Month/Year
September / 2006
Last Updated: Mar 11, 2023
Personal Memories
People You Remember LTC Joseph Biehler, Commander MAJ Sean Flynn, XO SFC Holcomb, PLT SGT, CPT Jeffrey Hall, PA Medics: Crytser, Deso, Smith, Barcek, Etienne, Durkee, Purcell, Dennis, Donahue
Memories Travelling the AO. FOB Whiskey with the Lithuanians, FOB Leimbach with the Slovenians, the Italians everywhere, Operation Shrimp Net & Iron Shrimp. The Shindand Winds.