Operation Athena

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Operation Athena was the Canadian Forces’ contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. It ran in two phases: Kabul region from July 2003 to July 2005, and Kandahar region from August 2005 to December 2011. The main goal was to improve security and help the Afghan government govern more effectively. Athena in Kandahar was the longest CF combat mission in history, with more than 40,000 Canadians serving in various roles over time. It was also the largest Canadian military deployment since World War II.

Context
After the 9/11 attacks, the United States led a campaign in Afghanistan. Canada joined on October 9, 2001. Operation Athena followed Operation Apollo, Canada’s initial deployment (2001–2003). Athena was part of ISAF, a mission created by the UN Security Council in December 2001 to help establish security and support development. Canada was a major contributor to ISAF, in a coalition of about 40 countries, with a target of roughly 5,300 Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

Phase One: Kabul (July 2003 – July 2005)
The operation began on July 17, 2003, with Brigadier-General Peter Devlin as commander of the ISAF Kabul Multi-National Brigade. The first Canadian rotation, led by the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, began around July 19. The force provided civilian support, such as well-digging and repairs. In 2004, ISAF’s main focus included ensuring the safe conduct of Afghanistan’s first democratic election (October 9, 2004). Hamid Karzai was elected and sworn in as president on December 9, 2004. Phase One ended in July 2005.

Phase Two: Kandahar (August 2005 – December 2011)
In August 2005, the Canadian Forces took command of Kandahar Province from a U.S. task force. The Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), under Canadian leadership, worked to rebuild the region, extend the Afghan government’s authority, and provide services to residents. The Kandahar PRT included diplomats, engineers, police, corrections officials, and soldiers, representing the Afghan government to local authorities. This phase marked Canada’s first sustained, government-wide overseas operation. Battlegroups in Kandahar typically included a regular infantry battalion with rotations about every six months.

Additional notes
ISAF became NATO-led on August 11, 2003. The Canadian embassy opened in Kabul in August 2003. The mission grew alongside Afghanistan’s development and governance efforts, with elections and governance strengthening as major milestones throughout the operation.