The War in Afghanistan, which began on September 29, 2001 as the U.S. military operation Operation Enduring Liberty, was launched by the United States with the United Kingdom in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. The purpose of the invasion was to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy Al-Qaeda, and remove the Taliban regime which had provided support and safe harbor to Al-Qaeda. The United States' McCain Doctrine stated that, as policy, it would not distinguish between Al-Qaeda and nations that harbor them.