War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

The war in Afghanistan was a long struggle that lasted from 2001 to 2021. It started when the United States and its allies launched an invasion called Operation Enduring Freedom. This happened after the September 11 attacks, which were carried out by a group called al-Qaeda that was based in Afghanistan and supported by the Taliban rulers there.

The invasion aimed to remove the Taliban from power and stop al-Qaeda from using Afghanistan as a base. With help from local forces known as the Northern Alliance, the coalition quickly took control of major cities and ended Taliban rule. A new government, called the Islamic Republic, was set up in 2004 with support from the United States.

Even after the Taliban were driven out, they regrouped and began fighting back. Over the next several years, they launched many attacks against the new government and foreign forces. The conflict grew more complex, with many battles happening in rural areas and cities. By 2011, the United States had sent many troops to try to bring stability, but the fighting continued.

In 2020, the United States made an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw all American troops by 2021. Unfortunately, this led to the Taliban launching a large offensive. By August 2021, they had taken control of most of the country, including the capital, Kabul. The last American planes left Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, marking the official end of the war. The conflict had lasting effects on Afghanistan, with many people displaced and the country facing big challenges moving forward.

Names

The conflict in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021 is called the war in Afghanistan. This name helps to tell it apart from other wars in the country’s history, like the ongoing Afghan conflict and the Soviet–Afghan War.

From the point of view of the West, the war is split into two parts. From 2001 to 2014, it was known as the ISAF mission, when many battles were led by coalition forces. From 2015 to 2021, during the Resolute Support Mission, the Afghan army did most of the fighting against the Taliban. The United States called the war Operation Enduring Freedom from 2001 to 2014 and Operation Freedom's Sentinel from 2015 to 2021. In Afghanistan, people often just refer to it as the "war in Afghanistan".

Prelude

Main article: Prelude to the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

Rise of the Taliban

The Taliban began as religious students who wanted to bring peace to Afghanistan by following strict rules. In 1996, with help from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, they took over the capital, Kabul, and started ruling large parts of the country. They made very strict rules, especially for women, who were not allowed to work or go to school unless accompanied by a male family member.

By 2001, the Taliban controlled most of Afghanistan, while the Northern Alliance held a small area in the northeast. Fighting with the Taliban were thousands of soldiers from Pakistan and members of a group called al-Qaeda.

Al-Qaeda

Under the Taliban's rule, a group called al-Qaeda used Afghanistan to train fighters, plan attacks, and get weapons. Many people went through their training camps to fight for the Taliban. After some attacks linked to al-Qaeda, the United States asked the Taliban to hand over their leader, but they refused.

11 September attacks

Main article: September 11 attacks

On 11 September 2001 (9/11), 19 members of al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes in the United States. They crashed two into buildings in New York City, one into a building in Virginia, and the fourth into a field in Pennsylvania. Everyone on the planes did not survive. The leader of al-Qaeda planned these attacks, and the United States wanted to hold him responsible.

US ultimatum to the Taliban

After the attacks, the United States demanded that the Taliban hand over their leader and close training camps. The Taliban refused, saying they needed proof of his involvement. The United States said there would be no negotiations and began military actions, starting the war on 7 October 2001.

History

Main article: History of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

Tactical overview

The war had two main groups: the Coalition, which included the US and its allies supporting the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and the Taliban, who fought against them. The fight was made harder by other radical groups and the Taliban's own splinter groups. These groups sometimes worked with the Taliban, sometimes for their own goals, and sometimes against both the Taliban and the government.

Afghanistan is a country where most people live in rural areas, which made it easy for guerrilla fighters to hide. The country also has harsh winters, which meant fighting often happened in the warmer months. Afghanistan is mostly Muslim, which influenced both the Taliban and the government. Local religious leaders had a big impact on the people and could call for resistance against outsiders.

Afghanistan is also a tribal society, and this affected its politics. The Pashtuns were the largest group, and their traditional ways guided many decisions. Tribes often chose sides based on what was best for them, not necessarily for the country as a whole.

The Coalition had advanced military technology, while the Taliban used guerrilla tactics, like hidden bombs and surprise attacks. By 2009, hidden bombs became the Taliban's main weapon.

2001: Invasion and early operations

Main article: United States invasion of Afghanistan

See also: Battle of Tora Bora, Operation Anaconda, and Operation Harpoon (2002)

Though the US officially invaded on 7 October 2001 with Operation Enduring Freedom, secret operations started weeks earlier. The US worked with the Northern Alliance, helping them capture several key cities from the Taliban. By November, the Taliban had lost control of most of the country.

The US invaded with help from the UK and eventually over a dozen more countries. They drove the Taliban from power and set up military bases near major cities. Many al-Qaeda and Taliban members escaped to neighboring Pakistan or hiding spots in remote areas. On 20 December 2001, the UN set up an International Security Assistance Force to help keep security in Kabul and surrounding areas.

2002–2005: Taliban resurgence

Further information: Taliban insurgency, Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2003 in Afghanistan, 2004 in Afghanistan, and 2005 in Afghanistan

Coalition mistakes, Taliban start to re-organize

After the initial success, the US didn't have a clear goal beyond finding senior Taliban and al-Qaeda leaders. As the US stayed, they slowly started to help rebuild Afghanistan. They focused on aid, creating institutions, improving education, health care, and community development. The US also helped create a new Afghan army, but it was built slowly.

The Taliban started to re-organize in 2002. They set up groups in the south and worked with other militants in Pakistan. They reached out to the Afghan government for talks, but the US blocked any negotiations.

From 2002 to 2005, the Taliban regrouped and planned a comeback. Mistakes by Coalition forces, like incorrect intelligence and civilian casualties, helped the Taliban gain support. By 2004, many Taliban leaders had fled to Pakistan. In 2003, the Taliban announced they were back and ready for guerrilla war.

2006–2007: Escalating war

Further information: Taliban insurgency, Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2006, Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2007, and Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2008

By late 2007, Afghanistan was in serious danger of falling to the Taliban despite the presence of 40,000 ISAF troops.

From January 2006, a multinational ISAF group started to replace US troops in southern Afghanistan. The UK led this force, along with Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Estonia. In January 2006, NATO focused on forming Provincial Reconstruction Teams. Local Taliban figures vowed to resist.

Spring and summer actions in 2006 by the Coalition included several operations, but the Taliban were not completely defeated.

In May 2006, a US military truck lost control in Kabul, causing a riot that ended with many casualties.

UK actions in early 2007 included several operations. The UK planned to increase troop levels to 7,700.

In March 2007, the US deployed more troops, though slowly due to priorities in Iraq.

During the summer, NATO forces achieved tactical victories in battles, but the Taliban continued to fight.

2008–2009: NATO build-up, Pakistan skirmishes, and Karzai re-election

Main articles: Pakistan in the war on terror, Pakistan–United States skirmishes, and Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2009

In June 2008, Taliban fighters freed all prisoners in Kandahar jail, embarrassing NATO.

In summer 2008, Bush authorized raids against militants in Pakistan, which Pakistan opposed.

In September 2008, the UK lost its 100th serviceperson.

In September 2008, Bush announced troop increases in Afghanistan and withdrawals from Iraq.

In January 2009, President Obama took office and ordered additional troops to Afghanistan.

In June 2009, Operation Strike of the Sword followed a British-led operation in Helmand.

In September 2009, a NATO air raid in Kunduz Province killed many people, including civilians.

After Karzai's re-election in 2009, there were accusations of fraud.

In December 2009, Obama announced that the US would send 30,000 more troops.

2010–2011: Strategic agreements and death of Bin Laden

See also: Killing of Osama bin Laden and Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2010

Deployment of additional US troops continued in early 2010. The surge supported more Special Forces operations.

In February 2010, Coalition and Afghan forces planned an offensive on a Taliban stronghold near Marjah.

The Peace Jirga was held in Kabul in June 2010, but the Taliban and Hezb-i Islami Gulbuddin did not attend.

In July 2010, WikiLeaks released classified documents showing accounts of civilian casualties and Pakistan’s support for the Taliban.

On 2 May 2011, bin Laden was killed by US Navy SEALs in Pakistan.

The Battle of Kandahar followed, with the Taliban launching a major attack on government buildings.

Karzai confirmed secret talks with the Taliban in June 2011, but they collapsed by August.

2012–2013: US troop incidents, Obama-Karzai meetings

See also: US–Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement

Incidents involving US troops in 2012 damaged the partnership between Afghanistan and ISAF, raised questions about discipline, and strained relations between Afghanistan and the US.

Karzai visited the US in January 2012. The US stated its openness to withdrawing all troops by the end of 2014. Karzai and Obama agreed to transfer combat operations to Afghan forces by spring 2013.

In 2012, NATO leaders endorsed an exit strategy, with ISAF forces transferring command of all combat missions to Afghan forces by mid-2013.

Further attempts to resume talks were canceled in March 2012 and June 2013.

On 2 May 2012, Karzai and Obama signed a strategic partnership agreement.

On 18 June 2013, the transfer of security responsibilities from NATO to Afghan forces was completed.

2014–2015: Withdrawal and increase of insurgency

See also: Operation Freedom's Sentinel

The UK and the US officially ended their combat operations in Afghanistan on 26 October 2014. The UK and US handed over their last bases to Afghan forces. Around 500 UK troops remained in non-combat roles.

The Taliban began a resurgence due to several factors. The withdrawal of most foreign forces reduced the risk the Taliban faced. Afghan security forces lacked air power and reconnaissance. Political infighting in Kabul and weak governance were exploited by the Taliban.

Heavy fighting occurred in Kunduz Province. In May 2015, flights into Kunduz city were suspended due to clashes. In late September, Taliban forces attacked Kunduz city, entering the city and seizing outlying villages.

In January 2015, the Islamic State established a branch in Afghanistan called Khorasan, recruiting fighters and clashing with the Taliban.

In 2015, the Taliban began an offensive that took over parts of Helmand Province. By June, they had seized control of Dishu and Baghran. By the end of July, the Taliban had overrun Nawzad District and taken control of Musa Qala. In October, Taliban forces attempted to take Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province.

2016–2017: Collapse of peace talks, emergence of Islamic State

See also: Islamic State

In January 2016, the US government granted the Pentagon new legal authority to offensive against ISIS-K-affiliated militants.

In early February 2016, Taliban insurgents renewed their assault on Sangin.

In April 2016, Afghan president Ashraf Ghani ended peace talks with the Taliban.

On 23 July 2016, Afghan and US forces began an offensive to clear Nangarhar Province of IS militants.

As of July 2016, at least 20% of Afghanistan was under Taliban control.

On 22 September 2016, the Afghan government signed a draft peace deal with Hezb-i-Islami.

On 31 December 2016, the Taliban continued their assault on Helmand with attacks on Sangin and Marjah districts.

In early January 2017, Afghan forces sought to rebuild following an exhausting 2016 fighting season.

In early March 2017, American and Afghan forces launched Operation Hamza to flush ISIS-K from its stronghold.

On 23 March 2017, Sangin district was captured by the Taliban.

On 21 April 2017, the Taliban attacked Camp Shaheen, killing over 140 Afghan soldiers.

On 15 September 2017, the CIA sought authority to conduct drone strikes in Afghanistan.

On 19 September, the Trump administration deployed 3,000 more US troops to Afghanistan.

On 20 November 2017, US and Afghan airstrikes targeted Taliban-run drug production facilities.

2018–2019: Peace overtures

Further information: Afghan peace process, Battle of Darzab (2018), Ghazni offensive, and 2019 Afghan presidential election

In January 2018, the Taliban were openly active in 70% of the country.

Following attacks by the Taliban and IS, Trump and Afghan officials ruled out talks with the Taliban. However, on 27 February, Ghani proposed unconditional peace talks with the Taliban.

Following Ghani's offer, a peace movement arose in Afghanistan in 2018, inspired by the People's Peace Movement's peace march.

American officials secretly met members of the Taliban's political commission in Qatar in July 2018. In September 2018, Trump appointed Zalmay Khalilzad as special adviser on Afghanistan.

In July 2018, the Taliban carried out the Darzab offensive and captured Darzab District.

On 25 January 2019, Ghani said that more than 45,000 members of the Afghan security forces had been killed since he became president in 2014.

On 30 April 2019, Afghan government forces undertook clearing operations against ISIS-K and the Taliban in eastern Nangarhar Province.

By August 2019, the Taliban controlled more territory than at any point since 2001.

On 25 February 2019, peace talks began between the Taliban and the US in Qatar.

2020: US–Taliban deal, beginning of US withdrawal

Main articles: United States–Taliban deal and 2020–2021 US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

On 29 February 2020, the US and the Taliban signed a conditional peace deal in Doha, Qatar, that called for a prisoner exchange and led to US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan within 14 months. However, the Afghan government was not a party to the deal.

After signing the agreement, the Taliban resumed offensive operations against the Afghan army and police.

On 31 March 2020, a Taliban delegation arrived in Kabul to discuss the release of prisoners.

On 22 June, Afghanistan reported its bloodiest week in 19 years, with many casualties from Taliban attacks.

2021: End of US withdrawal, last Taliban offensive

Main articles: 2021 Taliban offensive and Fall of Kabul (2021)

The Taliban insurgency intensified in 2021 with the withdrawal of US and allied troops from Afghanistan.

The Taliban began its last major offensive on 1 May, culminating in the fall of Kabul, a Taliban victory, and the end of the war. In the first three months of the offensive, the Taliban made significant territorial gains.

On 15 August, Jalalabad fell, and by noon, Taliban forces entered Kabul. President Ghani fled, and the Taliban took control of the Presidential Palace. The war was declared over by the Taliban on the same day.

As the Taliban seized control, the need to evacuate vulnerable populations became urgent. International diplomatic, military, and civilian staff, as well as Afghan civilians, were airlifted out of the country from Hamid Karzai International Airport. The final US flight departed on 30 August, marking the end of America's longest war.

Impact

Main article: Impact of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

Casualties

Main article: Civilian casualties in the war in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

The war in Afghanistan caused many sad events. Many people were hurt or lost their homes. Some groups were responsible for most of the sad events, while others had smaller parts.

Refugees

Main article: Afghan refugees

Because of the long conflict, many people in Afghanistan had to leave their homes. Some went to other places inside the country, and others went to different countries.

Drug trade

Main article: Opium production in Afghanistan

Before the war began in 2001, Afghanistan was a big place for growing a plant used to make medicine. After the war started, some groups made money from this plant. Later, efforts were made to stop this, but it was hard to change. After the Taliban took control again, they tried to stop growing the plant, which helped reduce it a lot.

NATO's failure to secure Afghanistan

Further information: History of the Afghan Armed Forces (2002–2021)

Many believe the mission in Afghanistan faced challenges because there was no clear goal, not enough resources, poor teamwork, and too much focus on the central government instead of local areas.

The NATO-led forces struggled to build strong government systems because the U.S. focused mainly on stopping terrorist groups. As a result, Afghanistan's government became too dependent on help from Western countries and could not operate independently in many rural places.

Climate change made things harder in Afghanistan and helped the Taliban gain support. In 2021, most Afghans relied on farming, but the country was very affected by climate change. Many people felt angry because the government did not help during droughts and floods, which made some support the Taliban. Even though efforts were made to stop growing poppies, Afghanistan still produced most of the world's illegal opiate drugs by the end of the war. The Taliban made a lot of money from this trade.

Some writers think early mistakes by the U.S. and its allies after the 2001 invasion made the war last longer. They also believe that the U.S. decision to invade Iraq in 2003 weakened efforts in Afghanistan. This distraction, along with disagreements about goals, made it hard to build a stable country.

Afghanistan faced serious problems with corruption. By 2009, it was one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Many leaders became very wealthy while ordinary people struggled.

Several countries outside NATO played important roles. Pakistan supported the Taliban in secret ways, aiming to keep Afghanistan friendly to its interests. Iran and Russia also worked with the Taliban against U.S. forces. China increased its influence by signing deals for mining and building a military base in Badakhshan, while also giving aid to Afghanistan.

In 2019, documents released showed that some U.S. officials had not been honest with the American public about the real situation in Afghanistan.

Foreign support for the Taliban

The Taliban's success was helped by Pakistan. Even though Pakistan was an important ally of the United States, some parts of its military and intelligence services kept strong connections with Taliban fighters. This support assisted the Taliban's efforts in Afghanistan. For instance, a group called the Haqqani Network received significant help from Pakistan's intelligence agency. Taliban leaders often found safety in Pakistan, where they could live, conduct business, gather money, and receive medical treatment. Some Pakistani leaders shared the Taliban's beliefs and saw them as useful, especially regarding India.

After the events of September 11, 2001, Iran and the United States worked together in secret against groups that used violence. However, this partnership ended when the United States called Iran a threat in a speech in January 2002. After that, Iran became more opposed to American forces in the area.

Experts say that both Russia and Iran played a role in helping the Taliban grow stronger in mid-2021. They provided money and supplies and also helped the Taliban make agreements with local leaders and groups. Iran's military forces supported the Taliban's movement in western Afghanistan by talking to important local leaders and fighters connected to Iran, encouraging them not to oppose the Taliban.

Reactions

Main article: Reactions to the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

Domestic reactions

After the fighting began in 2001, many people in Kabul felt relieved when the Taliban left the city. Some young men chose to shave off beards they had been forced to wear, and some women took off the burqas they had to wear under Taliban rule. Even though many women still chose to cover themselves, many felt hopeful that life would improve.

Surveys showed that most Afghans supported the removal of the Taliban. In 2006, a large majority of Afghans had a positive view of the US forces that helped remove the Taliban. By 2015, most Afghans still felt it was good that the Taliban were removed in 2001. In 2019, most Afghans did not support the Taliban.

International public opinion

Main article: International public opinion on the war in Afghanistan

When the war began in 2001, many people around the world had different opinions. In the United States and Britain, most people supported the military action. In countries like Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, most people also approved. However, in places like Argentina, China, and Turkey, many people opposed the action.

By 2008, support for the war had dropped in many countries. Only in the US, Britain, and Australia did more than half the people still support the war. In most other NATO countries, most people wanted troops to leave Afghanistan.

Protests, demonstrations and rallies

Further information: Protests against the war in Afghanistan

The war led to many protests around the world. People in many countries marched and held rallies to show that they thought the war was not right. Large protests took place in Washington, D.C., and other cities over the years.

Aftermath

Main article: Aftermath of the Afghanistan War (2001–2021)

On 7 September 2021, the Taliban announced a new government with Mohammad Hassan Akhund as Prime Minister.

Fighting continued after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Some groups still opposed the new government. The Taliban faced challenges keeping the country stable. Terrorist groups also remained active, creating more problems for the Taliban's rule.

After the Taliban took over, many countries stopped sending help to Afghanistan. This caused big problems for the country. Many people faced serious shortages of food and supplies. The situation became very difficult for many families trying to meet their basic needs.