War in Afghanistan

The War in Afghanistan was a military conflict from 2001 to 2021 that began after the September 11 attacks in the United States.

The War in Afghanistan was a military conflict from 2001 to 2021 that began after the September 11 attacks in the United States. It started with a U.S.-led invasion to remove the Taliban, then evolved into a long counterinsurgency and state-building war involving NATO and Afghan government forces against the Taliban and allied militant groups. Canada participated in the Afghanistan War as part of NATO and coalition operations, including military deployment and reconstruction efforts.

Background and outbreak

The war began after the September 11, 2001 attacks, when the United States and allies launched strikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan. The Taliban had provided sanctuary to al-Qaeda, which was blamed for the attacks. The initial stated aim was to remove the Taliban government and disrupt al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks.

Main phases of the conflict

The conflict moved through phases that included overthrowing the Taliban, rebuilding Afghan institutions, and later a counterinsurgency strategy with expanded U.S. troop levels. It became the longest war in U.S. history. The war began on 7 October 2001 with a U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan.

Casualties and displacement

The war caused large-scale military and civilian casualties, with estimates varying by source and method. Estimates in the sources place total deaths at roughly 176,000 to more than 212,000. Civilian deaths were substantial, with estimates in the tens of thousands. It also displaced millions of people inside Afghanistan and across borders.

End of the war

By 2021, U.S. and NATO forces withdrew from Afghanistan. The Taliban regained control as the Afghan government collapsed, bringing the war to an end. U.S. and NATO combat operations ended in 2021, and the Taliban returned to power.