Timeline
جدول زمانی
Here are some key events and dates leading up to the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's recapture of power in August 2021.
2021–2019:
Failure and Collapse
August 15, 2021: The Taliban seizes Kabul, the last outpost of the Afghan government.
U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen
July 2021: U.S. forces leave Bagram Airfield.
May 2021: The Taliban begins to make steady gains in territory.
April 14, 2021: The U.S. announces withdrawal of all troops.
2020: Ashraf Ghani wins a second term as president, amidst continued flares of violence across the country.
D Photo UNAMA / Nasir Waqif
2019–2014:
The Shift to Negotiations
September 2018: Zalmay Khalilzad begins work as the U.S. Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation. He leads American negotiations with the Taliban.
January 2015: NATO launches the Resolute Support Mission to aid Afghan forces, as conflict with the Taliban persists.
NATO
2014–2001:
Intervention
2013: The Afghan army takes over national security from NATO forces.
Specialist 1st Class Elizabeth Thompson
October 2004: Afghanistan conducts a direct presidential election for the first time in its history.
UN Photo/Fardin Waezi
October 7, 2001: U.S.-led coalition begins military intervention in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Ken Scar/US Army
September 11, 2001: Al-Qaeda targets New York City and the Washington metropolitan area in terrorist attacks.
March 2001: The Taliban destroys two ancient Buddha statues in Bamiyan.
Sgt. Ken Scar
2001–1996:
The First Regime
October 1999: The U.N. Security Council imposes its first sanctions on the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
1997: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates become the only three countries to extend official recognition to the regime.
September 1996: The Taliban comes into power and imposes strict rules on women.
Courtesy Roger Lemoyne
May 1996: Osama bin Laden arrives in Afghanistan.