Kingsville Military Museum

Afghanistan War

The war in Afghanistan (2001–2014) stands as Canada’s most extended military engagement and its first major combat operation since the Korean War. Following the terrorist attacks in the U.S., in September 2001, Canada joined a global coalition aimed at dismantling the al-Qaeda network and overthrowing the Taliban regime that supported it. 

 

Canada’s participation was extensive, encompassing military operations across land, air, and sea as well as diplomatic and intelligence support. While Canadian forces succeeded in ousting the Taliban and disrupting al-Qaeda activities, neither group was eliminated, and achieving lasting stability in Afghanistan proved challenging. 

 

Canadian troops were involved in direct combat against insurgents from both al-Qaeda and the Taliban and were also instrumental in safeguarding humanitarian operations and bracing the interim Afghan government.

 

Operation Apollo, which lasted from 2001 to 2003, marked Canada’s most significant naval deployment since World War II. Fifteen warships from Halifax and Esquimalt participated. Throughout the 12-year campaign, over 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members served, with 165 Canadians—158 soldiers and seven civilians—losing their lives. The war, which formally ended with the U.S. and NATO’s combat mission in December 2014, became the longest war in U.S. history.

 

From 2001 to 2014, Canada contributed significantly to the NATO mission, with 40,000 Canadians participating. Additionally, Canada has provided $3.6 billion in international aid to support Afghanistan’s stabilization, development, and humanitarian needs since 2001.

Cpl Andrew Paul Grenon, born in Windsor, enlisted in 2004. Cpl Grenon was killed in Afghanistan in 2008 while on his second tour of duty with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Cpl Grenon received the Sacrifice Medal, General Campaign Star – Southwest Asia.

Cpl-Andrew-Paul-Grenon