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Twelve years at war: War in Afghanistan enters 13th year
By CNN's Chief Washington Correspondent Jake Tapper
It was called "Operation Enduring Freedom," and they weren't kidding about the enduring part.
Twelve years ago today, U.S. troops invaded Afghanistan to dismantle al Qaeda and hunt down Osama bin Laden after the attacks of 9/11.
2,275 U.S. troops have been killed as part of Enduring Freedom, and 19,334 have been wounded in action – a number does not include the deep wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other psychological issues.
This year has been another bloody year for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. By CNN's count, there have been 137 U.S. and coalition casualties in Afghanistan in 2013 – more than in the first two full calendar years of the war.
About 54,000 troops remain in Afghanistan. The Obama administration has said all American combat forces will be pulled out by the end of next year.
But there is a strong possibility many will have to stay.
CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper" want to thank all troops for their service, and stress that they are not forgotten.
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