March 1: Operation Anaconda Begins in Afghanistan

March 1, 2002

U.S. and coalition partners launch Operation Anaconda, part of Operation Enduring Freedom, in eastern Afghanistan. USAF A-10s, AC-130s, B-1Bs, B-52s, and F-15s support Anaconda to stop Taliban and al-Qaeda forces regrouping south of Gardez. USAF aircraft drop laser-guided thermobaric bombs, designed to suck out all the air from cave complexes and kill the enemy inside.

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