Editing NATO (section)

==Military operations==
{{Main|List of NATO operations}}

===Early operations===
No military operations were conducted by NATO during the Cold War. Following the end of the Cold War, the first operations, ''Anchor Guard'' in 1990 and ''Ace Guard'' in 1991, were prompted by the [[Iraqi invasion of Kuwait]]. Airborne early warning aircraft were sent to provide coverage of southeastern Turkey, and later a quick-reaction force was deployed to the area.<ref name="NATO Operations">{{cite web | url=http://www.aco.nato.int/resources/21/NATO%20Operations,%201949-Present.pdf | title=NATO's Operations 1949–Present | publisher=NATO | year=2009 | access-date=3 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301231459/http://www.aco.nato.int/resources/21/NATO%20Operations,%201949-Present.pdf | archive-date=1 March 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Bosnia and Herzegovina intervention===
{{Main|NATO intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
[[File:F-16 deliberate force.JPG|thumb|upright=1.0|right|A USAF aircraft landing during [[Operation Deliberate Force]] after the [[Srebrenica massacre]]|alt=A fighter jet with AV marked on its tail takes off from a mountain runway.]]

The [[Bosnian War]] began in 1992, as a result of the [[breakup of Yugoslavia]]. The deteriorating situation led to [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 816]] on 9 October 1992, authorizing its member-states to enforce a previously declared [[no-fly zone]] under the [[United Nations Protection Force]] over central Bosnia and Herzegovina. NATO complied and started enforcing the ban on 12 April 1993 with [[Operation Deny Flight]]. From June 1993 until October 1996, [[Operation Sharp Guard]] added maritime enforcement of the [[arms embargo]] and [[economic sanctions]] against the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]]. On 28 February 1994, NATO took its first wartime action by [[Banja Luka incident|shooting down four Bosnian Serb aircraft]] violating the no-fly zone.{{sfn|Zenko|2010|pp=133–134}}

On 10 and 11 April 1994, the United Nations Protection Force called in air strikes to protect the [[Goražde]] safe area, resulting in the bombing of a Bosnian Serb military command outpost near Goražde by two US [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] jets acting under NATO direction.{{sfn|Zenko|2010|p=134}} In retaliation, Serbs took 150&nbsp;U.N. personnel hostage on 14 April.<ref>{{citation|title=NATO Handbook: Evolution of the Conflict|publisher=NATO|url=http://www.nato.int/docu/handbook/2001/hb050102.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011107101023/http://www.nato.int/docu/handbook/2001/hb050102.htm|archive-date=7 November 2001 }}</ref><ref>UN Document [https://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=A/54/549 A/54/549], Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to General Assembly resolution 53/35: The fall of Srebrenica, un.org, {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912110426/http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=A%2F54%2F549 |date=12 September 2009}}, accessed 25 April 2015.</ref> On 16 April a British [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier|Sea Harrier]] was shot down over Goražde by Serb forces.{{sfn|Bethlehem|Weller|1997|p=liiv}}

In August 1995, a two-week NATO bombing campaign, [[1995 NATO bombing campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina|Operation Deliberate Force]], began against the [[Army of the Republika Srpska]], after the [[Srebrenica massacre|Srebrenica genocide]].<ref name=zenko137>{{harvnb|Zenko|2010|pp=137–138}}</ref> Further NATO air strikes helped bring the [[Yugoslav Wars]] to an end, resulting in the [[Dayton Agreement]] in November 1995.<ref name=zenko137/> As part of this agreement, NATO deployed a UN-mandated peacekeeping force, under [[Operation Joint Endeavor]], named [[IFOR]]. Almost 60,000 NATO troops were joined by forces from non-NATO countries in this peacekeeping mission. This transitioned into the smaller [[SFOR]], which started with 32,000 troops initially and ran from December 1996 until December 2004, when operations were then passed onto the [[Operation Althea|European Union Force Althea]].{{sfn|Clausson|2006|pp=94–97}} Following the lead of its member states, NATO began to award a service medal, the [[NATO Medal]], for these operations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/02/army_natomedal_022209w/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907225123/http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/02/army_natomedal_022209w/ |archive-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=dead |title=Thousands more now eligible for NATO Medal |work=[[Army Times]] |first=Jim |last=Tice |date=22 February 2009 |access-date=11 April 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Kosovo intervention===
{{Main|NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|Kosovo Force|l2=KFOR}}
[[File:German KFOR troops patrol southern Kosovo, summer 1999.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|German [[Kosovo Force|KFOR]] soldiers on patrol in southern Kosovo in 1999|alt=Three trucks of soldiers idle on a country road in front of trees and red-roofed houses. The rear truck has KFOR painted on is back.]]
[[File:MSU Mitrovica Manbox - Ibar Bridge summer 2019.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|[[Kosovo Force|KFOR]]-[[Multinational Specialized Unit|MSU]] [[Carabinieri]] Patrols in front of the [[New Bridge, Mitrovica|Ibar Bridge]] in [[Mitrovica, Kosovo]], 2019]]

In an effort to stop [[Slobodan Milošević]]'s Serbian-led crackdown on [[Kosovo Liberation Army|KLA]] separatists and Albanian civilians in [[Kosovo]], the [[United Nations Security Council]] passed [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1199|Resolution 1199]] on 23 September 1998 to demand a ceasefire.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crossette |first=Barbara |date=24 September 1998 |title=Security Council tells Serbs to stop Kosovo offensive |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/24/world/security-council-tells-serbs-to-stop-kosovo-offensive.html |access-date=5 April 2025 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>

Negotiations under US Special Envoy [[Richard Holbrooke]] broke down on 23 March 1999, and he handed the matter to NATO,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/302265.stm |title= Nato to strike Yugoslavia |work= BBC News |date= 24 March 1999 |access-date= 25 September 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150926010110/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/302265.stm |archive-date= 26 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> which acted on protecting regional security and started a 78-day bombing campaign on 24 March 1999.<ref>{{cite news |title= UN Kosovo mission walks a tightrope |date= 24 March 2004 |work= BBC News |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3565799.stm |first= Nick |last= Thorpe |access-date= 11 April 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120726190617/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3565799.stm |archive-date= 26 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Operation Allied Force targeted the military capabilities of what was then the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]]. During the crisis, NATO also deployed one of its international reaction forces, the [[ACE Mobile Force (Land)]], to Albania as the Albania Force (AFOR), to deliver humanitarian aid to refugees from Kosovo.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.unhcr.org/africa/sites/afr/files/legacy-pdf/3ba0bbeb4.pdf |title= The Kosovo refugee crisis |website= United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |date= 19 December 2005 |accessdate= 23 July 2023 |archive-date= 23 July 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230723203620/https://www.unhcr.org/africa/sites/afr/files/legacy-pdf/3ba0bbeb4.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

The campaign was and has been criticized over [[Civilian casualties during Operation Allied Force|its civilian casualties]], including the bombing of the [[U.S. bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade|Chinese embassy in Belgrade]], and over [[Legitimacy of the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|whether it had legitimacy]]. The US, the UK, and most other NATO countries opposed efforts to require the UN Security Council to approve NATO military strikes, such as the action against Serbia in 1999, while France and some others{{specify|reason=Which others?}} claimed that the alliance needed UN approval.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9904/24/nato.un/ |title= NATO reaffirms power to take action without UN approval |work= [[CNN]] |date= 24 April 1999 |access-date= 4 September 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150128045422/http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9904/24/nato.un/ |archive-date= 28 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The US/UK side claimed that this would undermine the authority of the alliance, and they noted that Russia and China would have exercised their Security Council vetoes to block the strike on [[Yugoslavia]], and could do the same in future conflicts where NATO intervention was required, thus nullifying the entire potency and purpose of the organization. Recognizing the post-Cold War military environment, NATO adopted the Alliance Strategic Concept during its [[1999 Washington summit|Washington summit]] in April 1999 that emphasized conflict prevention and crisis management.<ref name="nato.int">{{cite web |url= http://www.nato.int/docu/handbook/2001/hb120704.htm |title= Allied Command Atlantic |access-date=3 September 2008 |work=NATO Handbook |publisher=NATO |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080813225955/http://www.nato.int/docu/handbook/2001/hb120704.htm <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=13 August 2008}}</ref>

Milošević finally accepted the terms of an international peace plan on 3 June 1999, ending the [[Kosovo War]]. On 11 June, Milošević further accepted [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244|UN resolution 1244]], under the mandate of which NATO then helped establish the [[Kosovo Force|KFOR]] peacekeeping force. Nearly one million refugees had fled Kosovo, and part of KFOR's mandate was to protect the humanitarian missions, in addition to deterring violence.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/publication-type/media-releases/2000/kosovo-report-card.aspx |title= Kosovo Report Card |date= 28 August 2000 |work= [[International Crisis Group]] |access-date= 11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120304114736/http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/publication-type/media-releases/2000/kosovo-report-card.aspx |archive-date= 4 March 2012 |df= dmy-all }}</ref> In August–September 2001, the alliance also mounted [[Operation Essential Harvest]], a mission disarming ethnic Albanian militias in the Republic of Macedonia.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/macedonia/1357773/Macedonia-mission-a-success-says-Nato.html |title= Macedonia mission a success, says Nato |work= The Daily Telegraph |first= Toby |last= Helm |date= 27 September 2001 |access-date= 11 April 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120905212636/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/macedonia/1357773/Macedonia-mission-a-success-says-Nato.html |archive-date= 5 September 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{as of|2023}}, around 4,500&nbsp;KFOR soldiers, representing 27&nbsp;countries, continue to operate in the area.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_48818.htm |title= NATO's role in Kosovo |publisher= NATO |date= 10 July 2023 |access-date= 23 July 2023 |archive-date= 26 June 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230626155525/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_48818.htm |url-status= live }}</ref>

===War in Afghanistan===
{{Main|International Security Assistance Force|War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|l2=War in Afghanistan}}[[File:Explosion following the plane impact into the South Tower (WTC 2) - B6019~11.jpg|thumb|The [[September 11 attacks]] in the United States caused NATO to invoke its collective defence article for the first time. |alt=A monumental green copper statue of a woman with a torch stands on an island in front of a mainland where a massive plume of grey smoke billows among skyscrapers.]]

The [[September 11 attacks]] in the United States caused NATO to invoke [[NATO Article 5|Article 5]] of the NATO Charter for the first time in the organization's history.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1057/s42738-021-00067-0|title=Creating common sense: Getting NATO to Afghanistan|year=2021|last1=Münch|first1=Philipp|journal=Journal of Transatlantic Studies|volume=19|issue=2|pages=138–166|doi-access=free | issn = 1479-4012 }}</ref> The Article states that an attack on any member shall be considered to be an attack on all. The invocation was confirmed on 4 October 2001 when NATO determined that the attacks were indeed eligible under the terms of the North Atlantic Treaty.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2001/1001/e1002a.htm |title=NATO Update: Invocation of Article 5 confirmed |date=2 October 2001 |publisher=NATO |access-date=22 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825031521/http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2001/1001/e1002a.htm |archive-date=25 August 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> The eight official actions taken by NATO in response to the attacks included [[Operation Eagle Assist]] and [[Operation Active Endeavour]], a naval operation in the Mediterranean Sea designed to prevent the movement of terrorists or weapons of mass destruction, and to enhance the security of shipping in general, which began on 4 October 2001.<ref name="NATO Operations"/>

The alliance showed unity: on 16 April 2003, NATO agreed to take command of the [[International Security Assistance Force]] (ISAF), which included troops from 42 countries. The decision came at the request of Germany and the Netherlands, the two countries leading ISAF at the time of the agreement, and all nineteen NATO ambassadors approved it unanimously. The handover of control to NATO took place on 11 August, and marked the first time in NATO's history that it took charge of a mission outside the north Atlantic area.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2003/8/11/nato-takes-historic-step-into-afghanistan |title= NATO takes historic step into Afghanistan |website= Al Jazeera |agency= Reuters |date= 11 August 2003 |accessdate= 23 July 2023 |archive-date= 23 July 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230723205859/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2003/8/11/nato-takes-historic-step-into-afghanistan |url-status= live }}</ref>

[[File:210321-D-BN624-1005 (51058690203).jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|General [[Austin S. Miller]] (right) became commander of U.S. and [[Resolute Support Mission|NATO forces]] in Afghanistan in September 2018 and oversaw the [[Withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan (2020–2021)|withdrawal]] until July 2021. [[Lloyd Austin]], the 28th [[United States Secretary of Defense]], is on the left.]]

ISAF was initially charged with securing [[Kabul]] and surrounding areas from the [[Taliban]], [[al Qaeda]] and factional warlords, so as to allow for the establishment of the [[Afghan Transitional Administration]] headed by [[Hamid Karzai]]. In October 2003, the UN Security Council authorized the expansion of the ISAF mission throughout Afghanistan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/isaf/topics/mandate/unscr/resolution_1510.pdf |title=UNSC Resolution 1510, October 13, 2003 |access-date=5 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009021301/http://www.nato.int/isaf/topics/mandate/unscr/resolution_1510.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> and ISAF subsequently expanded the mission in four main stages over the whole of the country.<ref name="ISAF Chronology">{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/isaf/topics/chronology/index.html |title=ISAF Chronology |publisher=NATO |access-date=5 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113041055/http://www.nato.int/isaf/topics/chronology/index.html |archive-date=13 November 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 31 July 2006, the ISAF additionally took over [[Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2006|military operations in the south of Afghanistan]] from a US-led anti-terrorism coalition.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a1qU01AKOHT8 |title=NATO Takes Control of East Afghanistan From U.S.-Led Coalition |first=Alex |last=Morales |date=5 October 2006 |access-date=4 September 2013 |work=[[Bloomberg L.P.]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724142511/https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a1qU01AKOHT8 |archive-date=24 July 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to the intensity of the fighting in the south, in 2011 France allowed a squadron of [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000]] fighter/attack aircraft to be moved into the area, to [[Kandahar International Airport|Kandahar]], in order to reinforce the alliance's efforts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/cgi-bin/ACHATS/acheter.cgi?offre=ARCHIVES&type_item=ART_ARCH_30J&objet_id=1002456&clef=ARC-TRK-NC_01 |title=La France et l'OTAN |work=Le Monde |language=fr |location=France |access-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012175557/http://www.lemonde.fr/cgi-bin/ACHATS/acheter.cgi?offre=ARCHIVES&type_item=ART_ARCH_30J&objet_id=1002456&clef=ARC-TRK-NC_01 |archive-date=12 October 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> During its [[2012 Chicago Summit]], NATO endorsed a plan to end the Afghanistan war and to remove the NATO-led ISAF Forces by the end of December 2014.<ref name="Reuters 20120521">{{cite news|title=NATO sets "irreversible" but risky course to end Afghan war|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCABRE84J02C20120521?sp=true|newspaper=Reuters|agency=Reuters|access-date=22 May 2012|date=21 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022162349/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCABRE84J02C20120521?sp=true|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> ISAF was disestablished in December 2014 and replaced by the follow-on training [[Resolute Support Mission]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/28/nato-ends-afghanistan-combat-operations-after-13-years|title=Nato ends combat operations in Afghanistan|last=Rasmussen|first=Sune Engel|date=28 December 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=24 October 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=2 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102134349/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/28/nato-ends-afghanistan-combat-operations-after-13-years|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 14 April 2021, NATO Secretary General [[Jens Stoltenberg]] said the alliance had agreed to start [[Withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan (2020–2021)|withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan]] by 1 May.<ref>{{cite news |title=NATO to Cut Forces in Afghanistan, Match US Withdrawal |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/usa_nato-cut-forces-afghanistan-match-us-withdrawal/6204555.html |work=[[VOA News]] |date=14 April 2021 |access-date=17 August 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415000426/https://www.voanews.com/usa/nato-cut-forces-afghanistan-match-us-withdrawal |url-status=live }}</ref> Soon after the withdrawal of NATO troops started, the Taliban launched an [[2021 Taliban offensive|offensive against the Afghan government]], quickly advancing in front of collapsing [[Afghan Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan stunned by scale and speed of security forces' collapse |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/13/afghanistan-stunned-by-scale-and-speed-of-security-forces-collapse |work=The Guardian |date=13 July 2021 |access-date=17 August 2021 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815063215/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/13/afghanistan-stunned-by-scale-and-speed-of-security-forces-collapse |url-status=live }}</ref> By 15 August 2021, Taliban militants controlled the vast majority of Afghanistan and had encircled the capital city of [[Kabul]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Taliban surge in Afghanistan: EU and NATO in state of shock |url=https://www.dw.com/en/taliban-surge-in-afghanistan-eu-and-nato-in-state-of-shock/a-58881129 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=16 August 2021 |access-date=17 August 2021 |archive-date=17 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817130423/https://www.dw.com/en/taliban-surge-in-afghanistan-eu-and-nato-in-state-of-shock/a-58881129 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some politicians in NATO member states have described the chaotic withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan and the [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|collapse of the Afghan government]] as the greatest debacle that NATO has suffered since its founding.<ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan takeover sparks concern from NATO allies |url=https://www.dw.com/en/afghanistan-takeover-sparks-concern-from-nato-allies/a-58880292 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=16 August 2021 |access-date=19 August 2021 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819073025/https://www.dw.com/en/afghanistan-takeover-sparks-concern-from-nato-allies/a-58880292 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Migration fears complicate Europe's response to Afghanistan crisis |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/afghanistan-crisis-migration-europe-response/ |work=Politico |date=16 August 2021 |access-date=19 August 2021 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819092700/https://www.politico.eu/article/afghanistan-crisis-migration-europe-response/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Iraq training mission===
{{Main|NATO Training Mission – Iraq}}
[[File:Armentani and Trujillo.jpg|thumb|Italian Major General Giovanni Armentani, Deputy Commanding General for the NATO Training Mission, meets with a U.S. Advise and Assist Brigade.]]

In August 2004, during the [[Iraq War]], NATO formed the [[NATO Training Mission – Iraq]], a training mission to assist the Iraqi security forces in conjunction with the US-led [[Multinational Force – Iraq|MNF-I]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jfcnaples.nato.int/training_mission_iraq.aspx|title=Official Website|website=Jfcnaples.nato.int|access-date=29 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212165020/http://www.jfcnaples.nato.int/training_mission_iraq.aspx|archive-date=12 December 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) was established at the request of the [[Iraqi Interim Government]] under the provisions of [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546]]. The aim of NTM-I was to assist in the development of Iraqi security forces training structures and institutions so that Iraq can build an effective and sustainable capability that addresses the needs of the country. NTM-I was not a combat mission but is a distinct mission, under the political control of the [[North Atlantic Council]]. Its operational emphasis was on training and mentoring. The activities of the mission were coordinated with Iraqi authorities and the US-led Deputy Commanding General Advising and Training, who was also dual-hatted as the Commander of NTM-I. The mission officially concluded on 17 December 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-withdrawal-nato-idUSTRE7BG0IK20111217 |title= NATO closes up training mission in Iraq |work= Reuters |first= Rania |last= El Gamal |date= 17 December 2011 |access-date= 17 January 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111218070636/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/17/us-iraq-withdrawal-nato-idUSTRE7BG0IK20111217 |archive-date= 18 December 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Turkey invoked the first Article 4 meetings in 2003 at the start of the [[Iraq War]]. Turkey also invoked this article twice in 2012 during the [[Syrian civil war]], after the [[June 2012 interception of Turkish aircraft|downing]] of an unarmed Turkish [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4 reconnaissance jet]], and after a mortar was fired at Turkey from Syria,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-alliance-idUSBRE8921F220121003 |title= NATO demands halt to Syria aggression against Turkey |work= [[Reuters]] |first= Adrian |last= Croft |date= 3 October 2012 |access-date= 3 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121004011242/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/03/us-syria-crisis-alliance-idUSBRE8921F220121003 |archive-date= 4 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> and again in 2015 after threats by [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] to its territorial integrity.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/26/middleeast/turkey-nato-talks/index.html |title=Turkey calls for rare NATO talks after attacks along Syrian border |last1=Ford |first1=Dana |date=26 July 2015 |website=Cnn.com |publisher=CNN |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727233434/http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/26/middleeast/turkey-nato-talks/index.html |archive-date=27 July 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Gulf of Aden anti-piracy===
{{Main|Operation Ocean Shield}}
[[File:Gulf of Aden - disabled pirate boat.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|{{USS|Farragut|DDG-99|6}} destroying a Somali pirate skiff in March 2010|alt=A tall plume of black smoke rises from the blue ocean waters next to a large grey battleship and a small black inflatable boat.]]

In 2008 the [[United Nations Secretary-General]] called on member-states to protect the ships of {{interlanguage link|Operation Allied Provider|de||no|Operasjon Allied Provider|ru|Операция «Эллайд Провайдер»|uk|Операція «Союзницький постачальник»}}, which was distributing aid as part of the [[World Food Programme]] mission in Somalia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2014 |title=Operation Allied Provider |url=https://shape.nato.int/page13984631 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114050617/https://shape.nato.int/page13984631 |archive-date=14 November 2016 |access-date=4 April 2024 |website= |publisher=[[Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe]]}}</ref>

The [[North Atlantic Council]] and other countries, including Russia, China and South Korea,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manw.nato.int/page_operation_ocean_shield.aspx |title=Operation Ocean Shield |publisher=NATO |access-date=3 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513125123/http://www.manw.nato.int/page_operation_ocean_shield.aspx |archive-date=13 May 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manw.nato.int/page_news_archive_OOS_%202010.aspx |title=2009 Operation Ocean Shield News Articles |publisher=NATO |date=October 2010 |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429152017/http://www.manw.nato.int/page_news_archive_OOS_%202010.aspx |archive-date=29 April 2011 }}</ref> formed [[Operation Ocean Shield]]. The operation sought to dissuade and interrupt pirate attacks, protect vessels, and to increase the general level of security in the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_48815.htm |title=Operation Ocean Shield purpose |date=12 July 2016 |access-date=27 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913104750/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_48815.htm |archive-date=13 September 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Beginning on 17 August 2009, NATO deployed warships in an operation to protect maritime traffic in the [[Gulf of Aden]] and the Indian Ocean from [[Piracy in Somalia|Somali pirates]], and help strengthen the navies and coast guards of regional states.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-piracy operations (2008-2016) |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_48815.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712003129/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_48815.htm |archive-date=July 12, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=NATO}}</ref>

===Libya intervention===
{{Main|2011 military intervention in Libya}}
[[File:Palmaria bengasi 1903 0612 b1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|[[Libyan Army (1951–2011)|Libyan Army]] [[Palmaria (artillery)|Palmaria howitzers]] destroyed by the [[French Air and Space Force|French Air Force]] near [[Benghazi]] in March 2011|alt=Pieces of a destroyed tank, notably the gun turret, lie on a sandy landscape.]]

During the [[First Libyan Civil War|Libyan Civil War]], violence between protesters and the Libyan government under Colonel [[Muammar Gaddafi]] escalated, and on 17 March 2011 led to the passage of [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973]], which called for a ceasefire, and authorized military action to protect civilians.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 17, 2011 |title=Security Council Approves 'No-Fly Zone' over Libya, Authorizing 'All Necessary Measures' to Protect Civilians, by Vote of 10 in Favour with 5 Abstentions |url=https://press.un.org/en/2011/sc10200.doc.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709220438/https://press.un.org/en/2011/sc10200.doc.htm |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=United Nations Meetings Coverage and Press Releases}}</ref> A coalition that included several NATO members began enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya shortly afterwards, beginning with [[Opération Harmattan]] by the [[French Air and Space Force|French Air Force]] on 19 March.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Anrig |first=Christian F. |date=2011 |title=Allied Air Power over Libya: A Preliminary Assessment |url=https://www.proquest.com/openview/abb1b09c31ecadb5805d35846d29d18f/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=26498 |journal=[[Air & Space Power Journal]] |volume=25 |issue=4 |pages=1}}</ref>

On 20 March 2011, NATO states agreed on enforcing an arms embargo against Libya with [[Operation Unified Protector]] using ships from NATO [[Standing NRF Maritime Group 1|Standing Maritime Group&nbsp;1]] and [[Standing NRF Mine Countermeasures Group 1|Standing Mine Countermeasures Group&nbsp;1]],<ref name="NATOSecGen1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-E403D555-2A5EEC9A/natolive/news_71689.htm?mode=pressrelease|title=Statement by the NATO Secretary General on Libya arms embargo|publisher=NATO|date=22 March 2011|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428121505/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-E403D555-2A5EEC9A/natolive/news_71689.htm?mode=pressrelease|archive-date=28 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> and additional ships and submarines from NATO members.<ref name="NATOPressBriefing1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-83A5384E-C37D94AC/natolive/opinions_71716.htm?selectedLocale=en|title=Press briefing by NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu, Brigadier General Pierre St-Amand, Canadian Air Force and General Massimo Panizzi, spokesperson of the Chairman of the Military Committee|publisher=NATO|date=23 March 2011|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428121332/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-83A5384E-C37D94AC/natolive/opinions_71716.htm?selectedLocale=en|archive-date=28 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> They would "monitor, report and, if needed, [[interdiction|interdict]] vessels suspected of carrying illegal arms or [[mercenary|mercenaries]]".<ref name="NATOSecGen1"/>

On 24 March, NATO agreed to take control of the no-fly zone from the initial coalition, while command of targeting ground units remained with the coalition's forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-03-25/world/35208327_1_libya-operation-charles-bouchard-nato|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217004750/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-03-25/world/35208327_1_libya-operation-charles-bouchard-nato|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 February 2013|title=NATO reaches deal to take over Libya operation; allied planes hit ground forces|date=25 March 2011|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/2011324221036894697.html|title=NATO to police Libya no-fly zone|website=English.aljazeera.net|date=24 March 2011|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326033949/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/2011324221036894697.html|archive-date=26 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> NATO began officially enforcing the UN resolution on 27 March 2011 with assistance from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=214574 |title= UAE and Qatar pack an Arab punch in Libya operation |work= Jerusalem Post |agency= se |first= Arieh |last= O'Sullivan |date= 31 March 2011 |access-date= 29 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121106134641/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=214574 |archive-date= 6 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> By June, reports of divisions within the alliance surfaced as only eight of the 28 member states were participating in combat operations,<ref>[http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/6/9/worldupdates/2011-06-09T025953Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-575860-1&sec=Worldupdates "NATO strikes Tripoli, Gaddafi army close on Misrata"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812030653/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F6%2F9%2Fworldupdates%2F2011-06-09T025953Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-575860-1&sec=Worldupdates |date=12 August 2011 }}, Khaled al-Ramahi. ''Malaysia Star''. 9 June 2011. Retrieved 9 June 2011</ref> resulting in a confrontation between US Defense Secretary [[Robert Gates]] and countries such as Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Germany with Gates calling on the latter to contribute more and the latter believing the organization has overstepped its mandate in the conflict.<ref>Coughlin, Con (9 June 2011). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304259304576375293567474306?mod=googlenews_wsj "Political Gridlock at NATO"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010140850/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304259304576375293567474306?mod=googlenews_wsj |date=10 October 2017 }}, ''Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved 9 June 2011</ref><ref>[https://latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-libya-nato-20110609,0,6023643.story "Gates Calls on NATO Allies to Do More in Libya"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314100915/https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2011-jun-09-la-fg-libya-nato-20110609-story.html |date=14 March 2022 }}, Jim Garamone. US Department of Defense. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 9 June 2011</ref><ref>Cloud, David S. (9 June 2011). [https://latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-libya-nato-20110609,0,6023643.story "Gates calls for more NATO allies to join Libya air campaign"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314100911/https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2011-jun-09-la-fg-libya-nato-20110609-story.html |date=14 March 2022 }}, ''Los Angeles Times''. Retrieved 9 June 2011</ref> In his final policy speech in Brussels on 10 June, Gates further criticized allied countries in suggesting their actions could cause the demise of NATO.<ref>Burns, Robert (10 June 2011). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/10/gates-blasts-nato-questions-future-alliance/?page=all "Gates blasts NATO, questions future of alliance"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105213305/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/10/gates-blasts-nato-questions-future-alliance/?page=all |date=5 November 2013 }}, ''Washington Times''. Retrieved 29 January 2013</ref> The German foreign ministry pointed to "a&nbsp;considerable [German] contribution to NATO and NATO-led operations" and to the fact that this engagement was highly valued by President Obama.<ref>Birnbaum, Michael (10 June 2011). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/gates-rebukes-european-allies-in-farewell-speech/2011/06/10/AG9tKeOH_story.html "Gates rebukes European allies in farewell speech"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825192654/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/gates-rebukes-european-allies-in-farewell-speech/2011/06/10/AG9tKeOH_story.html |date=25 August 2017 }}, ''Washington Post''. Retrieved 10 June 2011.</ref>

While the mission was extended into September, Norway that day (10 June) announced it would begin scaling down contributions and complete withdrawal by 1 August.<ref>Amland, Bjoern H. (10 June 2011). [https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-norway-to-quit-libya-operation-by-august-2011jun10-story.html "Norway to quit Libya operation by August"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411165833/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-norway-to-quit-libya-operation-by-august-2011jun10-story.html |date=11 April 2020 }}, Associated Press.</ref> Earlier that week it was reported [[Royal Danish Air Force|Danish air fighters]] were running out of bombs.<ref>[http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110610/world/Danish-planes-running-out-of-bombs.369868 "Danish planes running out of bombs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612163628/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110610/world/Danish-planes-running-out-of-bombs.369868 |date=12 June 2011 }}, ''Times of Malta''. 10 June 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2011</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20120724041541/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6770530&c=EUR&s=AIR "Danish Planes in Libya Running Out of Bombs: Report"], ''Defense News''. 9 June 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2011</ref> The following week, the head of the [[Royal Navy]] said the country's operations in the conflict were not sustainable.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8573849/Navy-chief-Britain-cannot-keep-up-its-role-in-Libya-air-war-due-to-cuts.html "Navy chief: Britain cannot keep up its role in Libya air war due to cuts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913110403/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8573849/Navy-chief-Britain-cannot-keep-up-its-role-in-Libya-air-war-due-to-cuts.html |date=13 September 2018 }}, James Kirkup. ''The Telegraph''. 13 June 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2013</ref> By the end of the mission in October 2011, after the death of Colonel Gaddafi, NATO planes had flown about 9,500 strike sorties against pro-Gaddafi targets.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/10/11/NATO-surprised-by-pro-Gadhafi-resistance/UPI-62851318359224/ |title= NATO: Ongoing resistance by pro-Gadhafi forces in Libya is 'surprising' |newspaper= The Washington Post |agency= [[UPI]] |date= 11 October 2011 |access-date= 29 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131016020425/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/10/11/NATO-surprised-by-pro-Gadhafi-resistance/UPI-62851318359224/ |archive-date= 16 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-10-21/Libya-NATO/50858104/1?csp=34news|title=NATO strategy in Libya may not work elsewhere |access-date=22 October 2011 | work=USA Today |date=21 October 2011}}</ref> A report from the organization [[Human Rights Watch]] in May 2012 identified at least 72 civilians killed in the campaign.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://world.time.com/2012/05/16/how-many-innocent-civilians-did-nato-kill-in-libya/ |title= How Many Innocent Civilians Did NATO Kill in Libya? |first= Ishaan |last= Tharoor |date= 16 May 2012 |access-date= 9 April 2016 |magazine= Time Magazine |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160401032328/http://world.time.com/2012/05/16/how-many-innocent-civilians-did-nato-kill-in-libya/ |archive-date= 1 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following a [[2013 Libyan coup d'état attempt|coup d'état attempt]] in October 2013, Libyan Prime Minister [[Ali Zeidan]] requested technical advice and trainers from NATO to assist with ongoing security issues.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-nato-idUSBRE99K0GX20131021 |title= NATO to advise Libya on strengthening security forces |work= Reuters |first= Adrian |last= Croft |access-date= 1 July 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150930090823/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/21/us-libya-nato-idUSBRE99K0GX20131021 |archive-date= 30 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Turkish border===
{{Main|Operation Active Fence}}
[[File:U-s-service-members-stand-by-a-patriot-missile-battery-in-gaziantep-turkey.jpg|thumb|U.S. and NATO Patriot missile batteries in Turkey]]

Use of [[North Atlantic Treaty#Article 5|Article 5]] has been threatened multiple times and four out of seven official [[North Atlantic Treaty (Article 4)|Article 4]] consultations have been called due to [[Spillover of the Syrian civil war#Turkey|spillover]] in Turkey from the [[Syrian civil war]]. In April 2012, Turkish Prime Minister [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] considered invoking Article 5 of the NATO treaty to protect Turkish national security in a dispute over the Syrian civil war.<ref>[http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_pm-turkey-may-invoke-natos-article-5-over-syrian-border-fire_277185.html todayszaman.com: "PM: Turkey may invoke NATO's Article 5 over Syrian border fire"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626182142/http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_pm-turkey-may-invoke-natos-article-5-over-syrian-border-fire_277185.html |date=26 June 2015 }}, 11 April 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_observers-say-natos-fifth-charter-comes-into-play-if-clashes-with-syria-get-worse_277187.html todayszaman.com: "Observers say NATO's fifth charter comes into play if clashes with Syria get worse"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626180355/http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_observers-say-natos-fifth-charter-comes-into-play-if-clashes-with-syria-get-worse_277187.html |date=26 June 2015 }}, 11 April 2012</ref> The alliance responded quickly, and a spokesperson said the alliance was "monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to do so" and "takes it very seriously protecting its members."<ref>[http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_nato-says-monitoring-tension-in-turkey-syria-border_277247.html todayszaman.com: "NATO says monitoring tension in Turkey-Syria border"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626231647/http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_nato-says-monitoring-tension-in-turkey-syria-border_277247.html |date=26 June 2015 }}, 12 April 2012</ref>

After [[2012 Turkish F-4 Phantom shootdown|the shooting down of a Turkish military jet by Syria]] in June 2012 and [[Syrian–Turkish border clashes during the Syrian civil war#The 2 October 2012 incident and afterward|Syrian forces shelling Turkish cities]] in October 2012<ref name=art4>{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_49187.htm|title=The consultation process and Article 4|website=NATO |date=24 February 2022|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=2 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402192427/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_49187.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> resulting in two Article 4 consultations, NATO approved [[Operation Active Fence]]. In the past decade the conflict has only escalated. In response to the [[2015 Suruç bombing]], which Turkey attributed to [[ISIS]], and other security issues along its southern border,<ref name=dt26>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11764178/Turkey-calls-for-Nato-meeting-to-discuss-Isil-and-PKK.html telegraph.co.uk: "Turkey calls for emergency Nato meeting to discuss Isil and PKK"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016195051/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11764178/Turkey-calls-for-Nato-meeting-to-discuss-Isil-and-PKK.html |date=16 October 2022 }}, 26 July 2015</ref><ref name="cnn july 2015 article 4">{{cite news | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/26/middleeast/turkey-nato-talks/ | title=Turkey calls for rare NATO talks after attacks along Syrian border | publisher=CNN | date=27 July 2015 | access-date=27 July 2015 | author=Ford, Dana | archive-date=16 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016195052/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/26/middleeast/turkey-nato-talks/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=nyt27>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2015 |title=Turkey and U.S. Plan to Create Syria 'Safe Zone' Free of ISIS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/28/world/middleeast/turkey-and-us-agree-on-plan-to-clear-isis-from-strip-of-northern-syria.html |first1=Anne |last1=Barnard |first2=Michael R. |last2=Gordon |first3=Eric |last3=Schmitt |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016195051/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/28/world/middleeast/turkey-and-us-agree-on-plan-to-clear-isis-from-strip-of-northern-syria.html?_r=0 |archive-date=16 October 2022 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_121926.htm?selectedLocale=en |website=NATO |title=Statement by the North Atlantic Council following meeting under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty|date=28 July 2015|access-date=27 February 2022|archive-date=27 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227190355/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_121926.htm?selectedLocale=en|url-status=live}}</ref> Turkey called for [[2015 NATO emergency meeting|an emergency meeting]]. The latest consultation happened in February 2020, as part of increasing tensions due to the [[Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019–present)|Northwestern Syria offensive]], which involved<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/russia-denies-involvement-in-airstrikes-on-turkish-troops-in-idlib|title=Russia denies involvement in airstrikes on Turkish troops in Idlib|website=[[Daily Sabah]]|date=28 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2022|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228080529/https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/russia-denies-involvement-in-airstrikes-on-turkish-troops-in-idlib|url-status=live}}</ref> [[2020 Balyun airstrikes|Syrian and suspected Russian airstrikes on Turkish troops]], and risked direct confrontation between Russia and a NATO member.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tert.am/en/news/2020/02/29/idlib/3223514|title=Greece 'vetoes NATO statement' on support for Turkey amid Syria escalation|date=29 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2022|quote=The Russian military later explained that the Syrian army targeted Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terrorists operating in the province, adding that Syrian government forces were not informed about the Turkish presence in the area.|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303074219/https://www.tert.am/en/news/2020/02/29/idlib/3223514|url-status=dead}}</ref>