The Long War:
Canada in Afghanistan

1. The Fall and the Beginning

We begin at the end, when Kabul falls to the Taliban in August 2021. Canadian veterans and journalists watch in shock as Afghans cling to departing planes at Hamid Karzai International Airport, desperate to escape.

The war in Afghanistan began in 2001, in retribution for the September 11 attacks. Canada joins the US-led invasion of Afghanistan to pursue al-Qaeda and unseat the Taliban.

But Afghanistan has a way of defying expectations. And the purpose and goals of Canada’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan proves to be complicated.

Read more: “The fall and the beginning: Canada in Afghanistan”

2. Into Battle (2001–2002)

The first Canadian battle group arrives in Kandahar and begins operations in southern Afghanistan in early 2002. The initial invasion has routed the Taliban, but Osama bin Laden escapes into Pakistan. The coalition begins to secure their position and create democratic structures to replace the ousted Taliban government.

Canadian troops enter combat during Operation Anaconda. They execute a complex air assault at The Whale’s Back. Snipers provide key tactical support to U.S. forces. And a devastating American friendly-fire incident at Tarnak Farms kills four soldiers, Canada’s first casualties of the war.

The troops return home after their first tour of duty to a triumphant welcome. But the mission faces growing uncertainty about what lies ahead for Canada in Afghanistan.

Read more: “First combat and casualties: Canada in Afghanistan, 2001–2002”

3. Defence, Diplomacy, Development (2003–2006)

This episode includes accounts of grievous injury.

Canada’s forces relocate to Camp Julien in Kabul as NATO takes responsibility for the International Security Assistance Force. Here, Canadian troops train Afghan forces, patrol in and around Kabul, and build relationships with the local community.

Afghanistan successfully elects a president and parliament. Ongoing Taliban resistance, including mine strikes and Afghanistan’s first suicide bombing, challenge optimistic expectations of progress.

In 2005, Canada begins to redeploy to Kandahar Province, a large and geographically diverse area rife with insurgency. The assassination of diplomat Glyn Berry, IED attacks, and suicide bombings complicate Canada’s diplomatic and development efforts, forcing the military to focus on security and counterinsurgency.

Read more: “Combat and diplomacy: Canada in Afghanistan, 2003-2006”

4. Operation Medusa (2006)

Coming October 1.

This episode includes accounts of grievous injury.

The Taliban increases in strength and takes a more aggressive stance in the spring and summer of 2006. Hundreds of Taliban fighters prepare to directly challenge NATO forces near Kandahar City. Operation Medusa is launched to counter this new threat.
Operation Medusa is the largest battle Canadian forces fight in Afghanistan. Twelve soldiers die. Dozens more are injured.

Canadian maneuvers get off to a difficult start, with disagreement over an accelerated advance. Much of the early fighting centres on the White School, a key Taliban stronghold in Panjwaii. Canadian soldiers are killed and injured in two unsuccessful attacks on the site before it is taken.

Ultimately, Canada regroups and Operation Medusa succeeds, despite deaths by accident, suicide bombing, and friendly fire. The Taliban suffers a tactical setback on the battlefield. But now the character of the war is about to change. And in some ways, it becomes even more dangerous.

Podcast trailer

By focusing on the voices of the people who were there, The Long War combines powerful firsthand storytelling with thoughtful reflection on a defining chapter in Canadian military history.