NATO remembers 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States

The attacks led to the first and only invocation on September 12, 2001 of Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, according to which an attack on one Ally is an attack on all. NATO deployed AWACS air surveillance and early warning planes to the US, freeing up planes there to support operations against terrorism. This was the first time that NATO assets were used in direct support of the continental US. Operation Active Endeavour to deter, defend and disrupt terrorist activities in the Mediterranean Sea evolved out NATO’s immediate response in solidarity with the United States. As of August 2003, NATO took over command of the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan to ensure that the country never again becomes a safe haven for international terrorism.

Fifteen years after the tragedy, NATO remains committed to the protection and defence of its member states and to the fundamental values of freedom, peace, security, individual liberty, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. At the Warsaw Summit in July 2016, NATO Allies reaffirmed their resolve to fight the scourge of terrorism in accordance with international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

In Afghanistan, Allies and partners continue to support the Afghan national defence and security forces with unwavering resolve through the train, advice and assist Resolute Support Mission.