Canadian Peacekeepers in Afghanistan: ISAF Mission (2001–2014)

Canada contributed to NATO's ISAF mission under UN mandate after 9/11. Key points:

• Deployment: Began with special forces (2001); peaked at ~4,000 personnel (2006) in Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-i-Sharif.
• Roles: Security/stabilization, counterinsurgency, humanitarian aid (food, shelter, medical), infrastructure rebuilding (schools, hospitals, roads), training Afghan forces (combat, C-IED), political reconciliation facilitation.
• Challenges: Heavy combat, significant casualties (158 fatalities).
• Legacy: Credited with enabling democratic elections and reconstruction.
• Post-2014: Mission ended; Canada continues diplomatic and development support via embassy and aid programs.