The Afghanistan War, also known as the War in Afghanistan, is a protracted conflict that began on October 7, 2001, in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda, which had found safe haven in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. Led by the United States and supported by a coalition of international partners, the war sought to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. The initial military campaign, Operation Enduring Freedom, led to the rapid overthrow of the Taliban government by December 2001. However, subsequent years saw a shift from a focus on counterterrorism to nation-building efforts, as the coalition aimed to stabilize Afghanistan and establish democratic governance.

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Key events during the Afghanistan War included the successful ousting of the Taliban from power and the establishment of a new Afghan government under President Hamid Karzai. Efforts to rebuild infrastructure, promote education, and establish security forces marked the post-Taliban phase. Nevertheless, challenges persisted, including the resurgence of Taliban insurgency and the emergence of other militant groups. International forces faced criticism for civilian casualties and human rights abuses, while the opium trade and corruption also hindered progress. The war's dynamics further evolved with the rise of ISIS in the region.

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Lesser-known facts about the Afghanistan War include the complexity of Afghan society and politics, with diverse ethnic and tribal groups influencing the country's stability and governance. The war saw significant involvement from NATO allies, contributing troops and resources to support the coalition effort. The conflict led to one of the longest-running U.S. military engagements in history, straining resources and public opinion. Notable figures involved included U.S. President George W. Bush, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and Taliban leaders like Mullah Omar. The Afghanistan War's lasting impact extends beyond military operations, shaping discussions about the challenges of nation building, counterinsurgency strategies, and the ethics of long-term military intervention.

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The timeline of major battles and events during the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021):

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2001

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Start of US Invasion (October 7, 2001):

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The United States and its allies launched Operation Enduring Freedom to remove the Taliban regime and eliminate Al-Qaeda's presence in Afghanistan.

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2002-2004

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Battle of Tora Bora (December 2001):

US-led forces targeted the Tora Bora cave complex, believed to be a stronghold of Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda leaders.

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2006-2007:

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Operation Medusa (September 2-17, 2006):

NATO forces conducted an offensive against Taliban fighters in the Kandahar province, aiming to disrupt their activities.

 

2009

Battle of Marjah (February 13 - February 24, 2010):

US Marines, supported by Afghan forces, launched a major offensive to clear Taliban insurgents from the town of Marjah in Helmand province.

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2011:

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Death of Osama bin Laden (May 2, 2011):

US Special Forces conducted a raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, leading to the death of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

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2015-2016:

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Battle of Kunduz (September 28 - October 15, 2015):

Taliban insurgents briefly captured the city of Kunduz, marking a significant challenge to Afghan government control.

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2020-2021:

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US-Taliban Peace Deal (February 29, 2020):

The United States signed a peace agreement with the Taliban, setting the stage for the withdrawal of US troops and intra-Afghan negotiations.

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US Troop Withdrawal (May 1, 2021):

The United States began withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, with the process completed by August 31, 2021.

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Taliban Takeover (August 15, 2021):

The Taliban rapidly seized control of Afghanistan as the Afghan government collapsed, leading to the end of the war and a significant shift in the country's political landscape.