Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) was the official name used by the U.S. government for the military campaign primarily in Afghanistan, launched as part of the broader Global War on Terror following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Its main objectives were to dismantle al-Qaeda terrorist infrastructure, capture al-Qaeda leaders including Osama bin Laden, and remove the Taliban regime that had provided sanctuary to al-Qaeda

. The operation began on October 7, 2001, with coordinated airstrikes by U.S. and British forces targeting Taliban and al-Qaeda positions in Afghanistan. This marked the start of combat operations including bombings, missile strikes, and support for the Afghan Northern Alliance, which was an anti- Taliban resistance group. The Northern Alliance rapidly gained control of much of northern Afghanistan, including Kabul by mid-November 2001, pushing the Taliban into smaller regions until their last stronghold fell in December 2001

. Operation Enduring Freedom was not limited to Afghanistan; it included related counterterrorism efforts in other regions such as the Philippines, the Horn of Africa, and the Trans-Sahara area. The operation officially lasted until December 31, 2014, when it was succeeded by Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan. The name "Operation Enduring Freedom" replaced the original planned name "Operation Infinite Justice" to avoid religious offense

. In summary:

• What was Operation Enduring Freedom?
  A U.S.-led military campaign launched to dismantle al-Qaeda, remove the Taliban from power, and combat terrorism primarily in Afghanistan, with related operations in other regions.

• When did it begin?
  October 7, 2001.

• When did it end?
  December 31, 2014, succeeded by Operation Freedom's Sentinel