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 Canadian War Museum: “First combat and casualties: Canada in Afghanistan, 2001–2002” Oral histories In Their Own Voices Pat Stogran – Transcript Paul Franklin – Transcript Credits The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan is a podcast by the Canadian War Museum.  Narrator: Anna Maria Tremonti  Historian: Andrew Burtch Producers: Lisa Gabriele and Neil Morrison Associate Producer: Hailey Choi Mixing: Cameron McIver Executive Producers: Jenny Ellison and Steve McCullough Text editors: Shannon Moore and Pascal Scallon-Chouinard   The podcast cover image shows private Michael Kubis of The Royal Canadian Regiment standing in a cloud of dust moments after the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Panjwaii District, Kandahar, in 2010. Photo: Louie Palu.