The War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Launched in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, the US-led War in Afghanistan became America's longest war, spanning four presidencies over two decades. Beginning with the rapid overthrow of the Taliban, the conflict devolved into a protracted counterinsurgency that ultimately ended with the Taliban's return to power in August 2021.
Events
September 11 Attacks
Al-Qaeda terrorists attack the World Trade Center and Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. The US demands the Taliban government in Afghanistan hand over al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The Taliban refuses, precipitating military action.
Operation Enduring Freedom Begins
The US and UK launch air strikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets. Working with the Northern Alliance opposition, coalition forces topple the Taliban regime in weeks. Kabul falls on November 13, 2001.
Bonn Agreement
Afghan factions sign the Bonn Agreement, establishing an interim government under Hamid Karzai. The UN authorizes ISAF to maintain security. A new constitution is adopted in 2004 with Karzai elected president.
Bin Laden Escape at Tora Bora
US and Afghan forces besiege al-Qaeda in the Tora Bora cave complex, but Osama bin Laden escapes across the border into Pakistan. The failure to capture him is later seen as a major missed opportunity.
NATO Takes Command; US Shifts to Iraq
NATO assumes command of ISAF, its first operational mission outside Europe. The US diverts resources to the Iraq War, a decision many argue allows the Taliban to regroup and resurge.
Taliban Insurgency Surges
The Taliban launches a major insurgency offensive, especially in Helmand and Kandahar. British, Canadian, and US forces engage in some of the war's heaviest fighting. Coalition casualties rise sharply.
Obama Troop Surge
President Obama announces 30,000 additional troops, bringing US levels to 100,000, with a July 2011 withdrawal start date. The surge aims to break Taliban momentum and train Afghan forces.
Osama bin Laden Killed
US Navy SEALs raid a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, killing Osama bin Laden. The operation reveals bin Laden hiding in a Pakistani garrison city, straining US-Pakistan relations.
US-Taliban Doha Agreement
The US and Taliban sign the Doha Agreement, calling for US/NATO withdrawal by May 2021 in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. The Afghan government is excluded from the negotiations, which later proves catastrophic.
Biden Announces Full Withdrawal
President Biden announces complete US withdrawal by September 11, 2021. Critics warn of Taliban takeover; supporters argue the core mission against al-Qaeda is complete.
Taliban Lightning Offensive
As US troops withdraw, the Taliban captures provincial capitals in rapid succession. Afghan security forces, long dependent on US air support and logistics, collapse without resistance.
Fall of Kabul
Taliban forces enter Kabul without a fight. President Ashraf Ghani flees the country. The Afghan government collapses as the Taliban retakes the presidential palace, completing their return to power 20 years after being ousted.
The Kabul Airlift
The US military conducts the largest non-combatant evacuation in history, airlifting over 120,000 people from Kabul airport. An ISIS-K suicide bombing on August 26 kills 13 US service members and 170 Afghans.
Last US Plane Departs
The last US C-17 departs Kabul at 11:59 PM, ending America's longest war — over 2,400 US lives lost, $2.3 trillion spent, with the Taliban back in power.
Taliban Rule and Afghanistan's Crisis
The Taliban announces an all-male interim government. Women's rights are severely curtailed: girls' secondary education banned, women barred from most employment. US assets are frozen. Afghanistan faces economic collapse and a humanitarian crisis.