2001    The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan begins with an air assault and covert operations on the ground.

2001    War in Afghanistan: Afghan Northern Alliance fighters take over the capital Kabul.

2002    U.S. invasion of Afghanistan: Operation Anaconda begins in eastern Afghanistan.

2002    U.S. invasion of Afghanistan: Operation Anaconda begins, (ending on March 19 after killing 500 Taliban and al Qaeda fighters, with 11 Western troop fatalities).

2002    Afghanistan: Seven American Special Operations Forces soldiers are killed as they attempt to infiltrate the Shahi Kot Valley on a low-flying helicopter reconnaissance mission.

2002    U.S. invasion of Afghanistan: Operation Anaconda ends (started on March 2) after killing 500 Taliban and al Qaeda fighters with 11 allied troop fatalities.

2005    War in Afghanistan: Three U.S. Navy SEALs and 16 American Special Operations Forces soldiers are killed during Operation Red Wing, a failed counter-insurgent mission in Kunar province, Afghanistan.