The war in Afghanistan was launched by the United States and its allies in October 2001 in response to the 9/11 attacks.

The immediate goal was to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime from power for harboring bin Laden.

The initial invasion, Operation Enduring Freedom, quickly overthrew the Taliban government.

After the initial victory, the mission expanded into a long-term counter-insurgency and nation-building effort.

The international coalition, including NATO forces, worked to establish a democratic government in Kabul and train the Afghan National Army.

However, the Taliban regrouped and waged a persistent insurgency against the new government and foreign forces for nearly 20 years.

The war was the longest in United States history.

In 2011, U.S. Navy SEALs located and killed Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a raid in neighboring Pakistan.

In 2021, the United States completed the full withdrawal of its military forces from Afghanistan.

Following the U.S. withdrawal, the Afghan government collapsed, and the Taliban swiftly recaptured control of the entire country.