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Brief History of ISAF

The Enduring Freedom Operation has been carried out towards Afghanistan within theframework ofU.S.-led international war against terrorism upon linking of the terrorist attacks against the U.S. on September 11, 2001 to theterrorist organization Al- Qaeda and cooperation of Taliban Government in Afghanistan withAl- Qaeda. During this operation the Taliban Administration that supports the terrorist actions have been overthrown, and the terrorist organization "Al- Qaeda" has been beaten heavily.

 

          An agreement has been reached in Bonn on 05 December 2001 in order to contribute to restore peace and security in Kabul and assisting the Afghan Interim Government with the participation of the nations supporting International Coalition against terrorism.

          According to this agreement, under UNSC resolution 1386 the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was set up on December 19, 2001 under the UK leadership and with the participation of 18 nations at the beginning in order to help reestablish security in Kabul and its surrounding area and contribute to the efforts made by the Interim Government in Afghanistan to ensure stability. From January 2002, ISAF has gained full operational capability.

 

          Turkey, deeming ISAF operation as a part of the struggle carried out by the Coalition Forces against terrorism has wholly supported the Endurance Freedom Operation under the leadership of U.S. from the beginning. In order to share her experience gained through her struggle against terrorism with international community and help Afghanistan whom she sees as a friendly and brotherly country, Turkey has taken initatives through the UN to lead ISAF for 6 months between 20 June-20 December 2002, by remaining within the limits of UN Security Council Resolution 1386 specified in the area of responsibility and within the framework of the same role. Within the framework of above-mentioned conditions Turkey has taken over the ISAF lead nation role supported by 22 nations according to the UN Security Council Resolution 1413.