Honor, Support, and Serve Our Veterans

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Twelve significant battles and monuments that highlight key moments in which the U.S. military was engaged during the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021):

1. Battle of Tora Bora (2001) – One of the early battles of the war, where U.S. and Afghan forces launched an offensive to capture Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaeda leaders in the mountainous Tora Bora region. Bin Laden escaped, but the battle marked a critical early moment in the war.
   • Monument: The Global War on Terrorism Memorial at Camp Pendleton honors those who served in early battles like Tora Bora.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tora_Bora

1. Operation Anaconda (2002) – A large-scale U.S. and coalition offensive in the Shahi-Kot Valley to target al-Qaeda and Taliban forces. The battle showcased intense fighting in rugged terrain and demonstrated the complexity of counterinsurgency operations.
   • Monument: The U.S. Army Infantry Museum in Fort Benning, Georgia, has an exhibit dedicated to Operation Anaconda and those who fought there.

https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/Online-Exclusive/2017-Online-Exclusive-Articles/Operation-Anaconda-Shah-i-Khot-Valley-Afghanistan/

1. Battle of Kandahar (2001-2002) – Kandahar, a Taliban stronghold, was one of the earliest major objectives in the war. U.S. and Afghan forces captured the city, which was key to dismantling the Taliban’s initial control over Afghanistan.
   • Monument: The Canadian Forces monument in Kandahar Airfield honors coalition forces, including Americans, who participated in the city’s liberation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Kandahar

1. Battle of Marjah (2010) – Part of Operation Moshtarak, U.S. Marines and coalition forces launched an offensive to retake the Taliban-held town of Marjah in Helmand Province, aiming to restore Afghan government control. It was a critical test of counterinsurgency tactics.
   • Monument: The Marine Corps War Memorial in Quantico, Virginia, honors Marines who fought in key battles like Marjah.

https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/552891/three-long-days-nights-the-first-72-hours-in-marjah-with-16-mortarmen/

1. Battle of Kamdesh (2009) – One of the deadliest engagements for U.S. forces, fought at Combat Outpost (COP) Keating. U.S. troops defended the outpost against a large Taliban force, earning several medals of valor, including two Medals of Honor.
   • Monument: The COP Keating Memorial at Fort Carson, Colorado, honors the fallen soldiers who fought in the battle.

https://www.warhistoryonline.com/articles/battle-of-kamdesh.html

1. Battle of Wanat (2008) – U.S. forces at an isolated outpost in Nuristan Province were attacked by a large Taliban force. Despite heavy casualties, U.S. soldiers held the position, though the battle raised questions about strategic decisions in remote regions.
   • Monument: A memorial at Fort Drum, New York, honors the 173rd Airborne Brigade soldiers who fought at Wanat.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Wanat

1. Operation Red Wings (2005) – A joint military operation that became famous for the ambush of U.S. Navy SEALs, depicted in the film Lone Survivor. The mission aimed to target a Taliban leader but resulted in a tragic loss of life, including SEAL Marcus Luttrell’s team.
   • Monument: The U.S. Navy SEAL Memorial at the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, honors the SEALs who died during the operation.

https://murphsealmuseum.org/operation-red-wings/

1. Siege of Firebase Restrepo (2007-2008) – Chronicled in the documentary Restrepo, U.S. soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade defended a remote outpost in the Korengal Valley, one of the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan.
   • Monument: The Restrepo Memorial at Fort Benning, Georgia, honors the soldiers who served at Firebase Restrepo.

https://www.uso.org/stories/1915-this-is-war

1. Battle of Musa Qala (2007) – U.S. and British forces, along with Afghan troops, fought to recapture the Taliban stronghold of Musa Qala in Helmand Province. It was a key victory in the fight to regain territory from Taliban control.
   • Monument: The UK-Afghan Musa Qala memorial commemorates the joint effort, though U.S. forces are honored through coalition memorials in Helmand.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Musa_Qala

1. Operation Khanjar (2009) – A major U.S. Marine Corps offensive in Helmand Province aimed at securing Taliban-held areas as part of a larger counterinsurgency strategy. The operation was a significant push to stabilize the region.
   • Monument: The Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia, features exhibits related to the major operations in Helmand Province.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Strike_of_the_Sword

1. Battle of Takur Ghar (2002) – Also known as the "Battle of Roberts Ridge," U.S. special forces engaged in a firefight after a helicopter was shot down during Operation Anaconda. The battle involved close-quarters combat on a mountain peak, resulting in the deaths of seven U.S. service members.
   • Monument: The Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, honors the airmen who fought in the battle, including those who lost their lives.

https://mohmuseum.org/takur-ghar/

1. Fall of Kabul (2021) – The final chapter of the U.S. war in Afghanistan, marked by the rapid collapse of Afghan government forces and the Taliban’s retaking of Kabul. U.S. military forces conducted a massive evacuation of U.S. citizens and Afghan allies.
   • Monument: The Global War on Terrorism Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery will honor all those who served throughout the war, including the final days of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Kabul_(2021)

These battles and monuments reflect the critical engagements of the U.S. military during the War in Afghanistan, highlighting key moments of sacrifice, strategic shifts, and the complexity of counterinsurgency warfare.