NATO Article 5, the mutual defense clause stating an attack on one member is an attack on all, has been invoked only once in history. It was activated by the United States following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, resulting in actions like Operation Active Endeavour to fight terrorism.
Key Aspects of the Single Invocation (9/11):
- Invocation: Immediately after the 9/11 attacks, NATO allies invoked Article 5 for the first time.
- Response: NATO launched operations, including Operation Active Endeavour (maritime patrols in the Mediterranean) and supporting operations in Afghanistan.
- Support: All NATO allies contributed, with 13 countries providing air surveillance and 830 crew members supporting the US.
- Aftermath: The coalition supported the US-led war in Afghanistan, where many allied soldiers died
CHEETO CHOSE AN OFFENSIVE WAR, NOW HE WANTS TO BE RESCUED, LOL