War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

A conflict beginning with the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and ending with the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. It involved Afghan factions, international forces, and insurgent groups.

Operation Enduring Freedom: The U.S.-led military campaign launched in Afghanistan in October 2001. Its opening strikes and ground operations quickly toppled the Taliban government.
September 11 attacks: A coordinated terrorist attack by al-Qaeda against the United States on 11 September 2001. The attacks prompted the U.S. demand that the Taliban hand over al-Qaeda leaders.
George W. Bush: The 43rd president of the United States, whose administration launched the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. His administration defined the initial goals and led the coalition’s early campaigns.
Refugees of Afghanistan: People forced to leave Afghanistan because of conflict, persecution, or insecurity. Decades of fighting and the 2021 collapse drove repeated waves of displacement.
Soviet–Afghan War: The 1979–1989 war between Soviet forces and Afghan resistance groups, with extensive foreign support to the mujahideen. It is a distinct earlier conflict that shaped Afghanistan’s armed politics before 2001.
Taliban insurgency: The Taliban’s armed campaign against the Afghan government and foreign forces after its removal from power. The insurgency turned the initial military victory into a prolonged war.
Al-Qaeda: A transnational jihadist organization founded by Osama bin Laden and associates. Its Afghan sanctuary became the central stated target of the 2001 invasion.
Hamid Karzai: Afghan political leader who served as president from 2004 to 2014. He led the post-Taliban government as it sought authority across the country.
Civilian casualties in the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021): Deaths and injuries suffered by Afghan civilians during the 2001–2021 conflict. Civilian harm became a persistent cost of airstrikes, insurgent attacks, and ground combat.
Afghan Civil War (1992–1996): A conflict among Afghan factions after the collapse of the Soviet-backed government and before Taliban rule. Its factional rivalries formed part of the background to the Taliban’s rise.

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