War in Afghanistan
2001–2021
The long conflict that began after 9/11 and ended with the Taliban's return in 2021.
Discover the Battles
AfghanistanBattle sites plotted on the globe. Hover a pin for the story and location.
Veteran Stories
Afghanistan
Abdul Raziq
Who Was General Abdul Raziq and Why Was He a Key Figure in the War in Afghanistan?
Lieutenant General Abdul Raziq was a powerful and controversial Afghan police chief who played a critical role in securing Kandahar Province against the Taliban until his assassination in 2018.
AfghanOctober 18, 2018
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Afghanistan
Bundeswehr Combat Action Medal Bundeswehr Foreign Duty Medal Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany+6
Daniel Seibert
Who Was Daniel Seibert?
A highly decorated Bundeswehr soldier recognized for bravery in Afghanistan.
West Germany2011-06-02
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Afghanistan
NATO Medal for Resolute Support NATO Medal for Non-Article 5 ISAF Afghanistan NATO Meritorious Service Medal+1
Marko Petrovic
Who Was Major Marko Petrovic?
A Croatian officer who served extensively in NATO-led operations throughout Afghanistan and the Balkan region.
Other Allied2010-2018
Read StoryFrequently Asked Questions About War in Afghanistan
When was the War in Afghanistan fought?
The War in Afghanistan began on 7 October 2001, about a month after the 9/11 attacks on the United States. It ended on 30 August 2021, when the last American troops left the country. At almost 20 years, it was the longest war the United States ever fought.
Why did the war in Afghanistan start?
After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the United States demanded that Afghanistan's Taliban rulers hand over Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda. When the Taliban refused, the U.S. and its allies attacked to remove them from power and destroy al-Qaeda's safe base.
Which countries fought in the War in Afghanistan?
The war began with the United States, Britain, and Afghan groups fighting the Taliban and al-Qaeda. Over time, NATO and about 40 more countries joined, including Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, and many others.
What was Operation Enduring Freedom?
Operation Enduring Freedom was the name of the U.S.-led campaign that began on 7 October 2001. American and British forces, helped by Afghan fighters on the ground, quickly removed the Taliban government and hunted for al-Qaeda leaders.
What was the Battle of Tora Bora?
Tora Bora was a mountain cave complex in eastern Afghanistan where U.S. forces believed Osama bin Laden was hiding in December 2001. A battle was fought there, but bin Laden escaped across the border into Pakistan.
Who were the Taliban?
The Taliban were a strict Islamic movement that ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. They sheltered al-Qaeda before 9/11, were removed from power by the U.S.-led invasion, fought as rebels for 20 years, and took back control of the country in 2021.
What was the war in Afghanistan like for soldiers?
Soldiers faced extreme heat and cold, mountains and deserts, and hidden roadside bombs called IEDs. Many served multiple tours away from home, and roadside bombs became the deadliest threat to coalition troops.
How many people died in the war in Afghanistan?
More than 2,400 American service members died, along with over 1,000 troops from other coalition countries. Tens of thousands of Taliban and other fighters were killed, and more than 100,000 Afghan civilians were hurt or killed during the war.
How did the war in Afghanistan end?
In 2020 the United States signed a peace deal with the Taliban and agreed to leave. As American troops withdrew in 2021, the Taliban advanced across the country and entered the capital, Kabul, on 15 August 2021. The last U.S. planes left on 30 August 2021.
What happened after the war in Afghanistan?
The Taliban took control of Afghanistan and formed a government. Thousands of Afghans who had helped coalition forces were evacuated to other countries, and many more tried to leave. The country faces deep poverty and hunger, and many countries still do not accept the Taliban government.