Combat in Kandahar Canadian troops led their largest combat operation since the Korean War
Medusa Afghanistan Canada’s Largest Mission Since Korean War from the Canada VA
The strength of the Taliban resistance grew, despite their loss of government power. Canadian troops moved from Kabul back to the perilous Kandahar Province. Combat operations soon became a regular duty. Canada assumed leadership of various reconstruction and advisory teams there. Operation Medusa took place in September 2006. It would be the largest Canadian combat operation since the Korean War. Priorities in rebuilding Afghanistan were set and plans for Canada to eventually leave Afghanistan began.
Gunners from X Battery, 5e Régiment d’artillerie Légère du Canada (5 RALC) at Patrol Base Wilson, conduct a fire mission with the M-777 155mm howitzer, to support Coalition forces who have located a Taliban position. Photo Canada VA
Canada was one of the first coalition nations to send military support to the region. Already overseas, the Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax quickly headed to the Arabian Sea for counter‑terrorism duties. From 2001‑2003, the busiest phase of our navy’s involvement in the conflict, 15 Canadian warships served in the waters off Southwest Asia. This was our country’s largest naval commitment since theSecond World War.
Kandahar
In 2005, the role of the CAF evolved again when they began to shift back to the volatile Kandahar region. The Taliban government had been toppled, but the Taliban remained strong in some areas of the country. Canada’s return to Kandahar coincided with a resurgence in Taliban activity there. Our soldiers quickly found themselves the targets of attack.
At the time, Kandahar was a hotbed of Taliban activity. The threat of suicide attacks and roadside bombs was a constant risk. Landmine and friendly fire incidents took the lives of many of our soldiers but improvised explosive devices (IEDs) caused the most Canadian casualties. For more than five hard years, CAF members operated in Kandahar with other ISAF troops. Together, they helped push the Taliban from the Panjwai district.
Operation Medusa
In September 2006, the CAF led a major multinational offensive in Kandahar Province. More than 1,000 CAF members and hundreds of soldiers from other countries took part. Operation Medusa was the largest Canadian combat operation since the Korean War. Sadly, 12 CAF members lost their lives in this hard fought effort.
Air and sea
Patrolling the seas
Afghanistan has no borders on the sea but Taliban supplies and fighters often arrived in the region by ship. Canadian warships patrolled the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf to search for terrorists. They also stopped vessels to intercept illegal cargoes and cut off activities that were funding the Taliban. Our sailors also offered logistical support and helped defend the other ships of the coalition fleet.
As CAF ground troops entered their most dangerous phase, Canada’s efforts in the air and sea continued. From late 2008 until mid 2011, for example, the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing provided support to coalition troops. They contributed airlift, surveillance and reconnaissance support. Canadian warships continued to contribute to coalition efforts at sea, as well. Beginning in late 2009, CAF sailors were part of Operation Saiph, a renewed international campaign to enhance maritime security in the waters off Southwest Asia.
Operation Medusa
In September 2006, the CAF led a major multinational offensive in Kandahar Province. More than 1,000 CAF members and hundreds of soldiers from other countries took part. Operation Medusa was the largest Canadian combat operation since the Korean War. Sadly, 12 CAF members lost their lives in this hard fought effort.
Canadian Forces Griffon and Chinook helicopters fly in formation during a training mission for OP MOSHTARAK. Task Force Freedom, Canada’s Helicopter presence in Afghanistan prepares for the largest air assault since the Second World War the Canadian component will consist of 3 Chinook helicopters, 4 Griffon helicopters and approximately 60 Canadian Forces members. The Canadian Armed Forces have conducted operations in Afghanistan for more than 12 years in a number of different roles involving air, land and sea assets. CAF activities included combat, security, development, support and training operations in varying capacities and regions in Afghanistan. Photo: DND ISX2010-0024
Civilian casualties
Our men and women in uniform were not the only Canadian casualties in Afghanistan. In January 2006, a suicide bomb attack killed a Political Director for the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar. He was the first Canadian diplomat killed in the line of duty.
The reporters who brought news of the campaign home to Canadians were also at risk. In December 2009, a journalist from the Calgary Herald was travelling with four soldiers during a routine patrol. Sadly, she and the soldiers died when an IED hit their light armoured vehicle in the city of Kandahar.
Some Canadian humanitarian aid workers also died while working in the war torn country to help the Afghan people.
Canadian police involvement
Our police forces’ role was a lesser known component of Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan. Approximately 300 RCMP members, and provincial and municipal police officers worked to train, build and mentor the Afghan National Police Force. They collaborated with military personnel, diplomats and non-government organizations to create a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society. They shared tactics and techniques that worked in Canada and showed the Afghan police and military forces how they might be applied in Afghanistan. Our police officers aimed to help leave the country a better place than they found it.
Shifting priorities
On 16 November 2010, the Government of Canada announced our country’s main roles in Afghanistan before our military withdrew in 2014. There were four key priorities: education and health, security, diplomacy in the regions, and humanitarian aid. This set the stage for the final phase of CAF involvement in the Afghanistan campaign.
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