What was a primary focus in the military missions following 9/11?

The primary focus of military missions following the events of September 11, 2001, was combat against international terrorism. This response was prompted by the attacks that demonstrated the existing vulnerabilities in national security and the need for a strategic military approach to counter threats from terrorist organizations, particularly al-Qaeda. The U.S. initiated operations aimed at dismantling these organizations and preventing future attacks, which involved military actions in Afghanistan and later extended to other nations as part of the broader War on Terror.

This focus on international terrorism represented a significant shift in U.S. military strategy, as it emphasized proactive engagement in conflicts directly related to radical terrorist groups and their backers. The strategic landscape was redefined, prioritizing missions that aimed to eliminate and disrupt terrorist networks, assisting in the stability of regions from which terrorism could emanate, and addressing threats posed by state and non-state actors affiliated with terrorist ideologies.