Afghanistan War

Nur Mohammad Taraki is killed on September 14 in a confrontation with supporters of Deputy Prime Minister Hafizullah Amin, marking a significant event in the power struggle within the Afghan government.

The USSR invades Afghanistan on December 24 to support the failing communist regime.

On December 27, Amin and many of his followers are executed, leading to Deputy Prime Minister Babrak Karmal becoming the prime minister.

The Soviet army entered Kabul, Afghanistan on December 31, 1979, marking the beginning of a decade-long military intervention in the country.

The U.S., Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Soviet Union sign peace accords in Geneva, ensuring Afghan independence and the withdrawal of Soviet troops. Despite the agreement, the Mujahadeen continue to resist the Soviet-backed regime.

The Mujahadeen, supported by rebel groups and turncoat government troops, overthrow communist president Dr. Mohammad Najibullah in Kabul. Ahmad Shah Masood plays a key role in leading the forces into the capital.

In 1996, Taliban fighters captured the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul, and established a strict rule that imposed harsh restrictions on women, including banning them from working outside the home. The regime also implemented brutal Islamic punishments such as public stoning, amputation, and execution.

In October 1999, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1267, imposing financial sanctions on the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The sanctions aimed to restrict the group's funding, travel, and arms shipments in an effort to pressure them to hand over Osama bin Laden for trial.

On September 9, 2001, anti-Taliban Northern Alliance leader Ahmad Shah Massoud was assassinated by al-Qaida operatives disguised as TV journalists. This event further destabilized the region.

The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated suicide terrorist attacks by the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda on the United States on September 11, 2001. The attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism.

In response to the Taliban's refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden, U.S. and British forces launch airstrikes against targets in Afghanistan. The Taliban declare readiness for jihad as American warplanes bomb their bases and those of the al-Qaida network.

After weeks of intense fighting with Taliban troops, the Northern Alliance successfully enters Kabul as the Taliban retreat southward toward Kandahar.

From December 3 to 17, Afghan militias engage in a fierce 2-week battle with militants in the Tora Bora cave complex southeast of Kabul, where Osama bin Laden is tracked. Bin Laden is believed to have fled to Pakistan on December 16.

The largest city in southern Afghanistan, Kandahar, fell on December 6, marking the end of Taliban power. The city was besieged by forces led by Karzai and Gul Agha Sherzai with heavy assistance from the United States.

Taliban fighters abandon their final stronghold in Kandahar, marking a significant disintegration of the militia group's control over Afghanistan. Taliban leaders surrender the group's last Afghan territory in Zabul, leading to the declaration of the end of Taliban rule in Afghanistan.

On December 9, 2001, the Taliban collapse is evident as former Taliban fighters are seen at a jail complex in Shebargan, Afghanistan. This event marks a significant turning point in the conflict in Afghanistan.

On December 9, the Taliban abandons Kandahar, marking the symbolic end of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

On December 20, the UN Security Council establishes the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) with Resolution 1386 to assist in maintaining security in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Interim Authority, consisting of 30 members and led by a chairman, is inaugurated on December 22 with a 6-month mandate, followed by a 2-year Transitional Authority, leading to elections. Hamid Karzai becomes the head of the interim government.

In the historic national election, President Karzai becomes the first democratically elected leader of Afghanistan amidst high voter turnout despite threats of violence. He wins with 55% of the vote, while his closest rival, Younis Qanooni, polls 16%. The election is marred by fraud accusations and the kidnapping of UN election workers.

On May 23, 2005, President George W. Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai announce the signing of a military agreement that allows American forces to utilize Afghan military facilities in the fight against Taliban and al Qaeda, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

On September 18, 2005, more than six million Afghans participated in the Wolesi Jirga, Meshrano Jirga, and local council elections. These elections were considered the most democratic in Afghanistan's history, with a significant turnout of women voters, indicating progress in a traditionally patriarchal society.

On March 27, 2009, President Barack Obama unveils a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, including sending more U.S. personnel to train Afghan security forces and boosting civilian development.

Following a disputed presidential election on August 20, Afghan President Karzai wins another term after allegations of fraud. An investigation by the UN-backed Electoral Complaints Commission reveals that Karzai did not reach the required threshold for a clear victory, leading to a runoff vote.

In December 2009, President Obama announces a surge of troops in Afghanistan to bolster the ongoing military efforts. This decision marks a significant escalation in the U.S. involvement in the Afghanistan War.

Osama bin Laden is killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan.

U.S. forces raid a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and successfully eliminate al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden on May 2 local time.

President Obama announces the withdrawal of some or all of the thirty thousand surge troops in July. This decision sparks debates about the future of U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan.

A decade after the start of the war in Afghanistan, U.S. soldiers are depicted at a temporary checkpoint in the Dand district, reflecting the prolonged military engagement.

In June 2013, the Afghan Security Takeover is completed, marking a significant milestone in the transition from NATO to Afghan control.

In June 2013, the Afghan Security Takeover is completed, marking a significant milestone in the transition from NATO to Afghan control in Afghanistan.

President Obama reveals a plan to withdraw most U.S. forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2016, with 9,800 troops remaining after the combat mission ends in 2014 for training Afghan forces and targeting al-Qaeda remnants.

On February 29, 2020, U.S. negotiator Khalilzad and Taliban leader Baradar sign an agreement in Doha, Qatar, marking a significant step towards peace in Afghanistan.

President-Elect Joe Biden decides on a complete U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan by 9/11, marking a significant shift in the country's military strategy. This decision reflects the ongoing efforts to disengage from prolonged conflicts.

President Biden decides on a complete U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards the region.

The Afghanistan government collapses as the Taliban seizes control of Kabul, marking a significant turning point in the country's political landscape.

Thirteen U.S. service members were killed outside of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul during the evacuation process. This tragic event occurred amidst the chaos and urgency of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Thirteen U.S. service members are killed and at least eighteen are injured in an attack at a checkpoint outside the Kabul airport, where thousands of people are being evacuated. At least 170 Afghans are also killed. The Islamic State in Khorasan claims responsibility for the attack.

The United States launches an air strike targeting a suspected plotter from the Islamic State in Khorasan, the group responsible for the recent attack at the Kabul airport. However, the Pentagon later admits that the strike was a “mistake” and killed ten civilians, including seven children.

U.S. Army Major General Chris Donahue becomes the last U.S. service member to leave Afghanistan, marking the end of a twenty-year war as the U.S. completes its withdrawal.

U.S. Army Major General Chris Donahue becomes the last U.S. service member to leave Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, marking the end of the twenty-year war as the U.S. completes its withdrawal from the country.