In short
The Taliban, an Islamic militant movement that had ruled Afghanistan since 1996, was overthrown in October 2001 by a U.S.-led military campaign launched after the September 11 attacks. The group's collapse came within weeks of the American invasion, ending five years of strict Islamic rule and setting off two decades of conflict that would reshape the country.
How it unfolded.
The five-minute version
What actually happened.
The national flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was adopted on 15 August 2021, with the Taliban's victory in the 2001–2021 war. It features a white field with a black Shahada inscribed. Since the 20th century, Afghanistan has changed its national flag several times. During this period, the national flag had mostly black, red, and green colours.
As it was happening
13 voices, 1912 days.
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Taliban captures Kabul
The Taliban seize the Afghan capital after years of civil war, establishing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. They enforce strict Sharia law and provide safe haven to al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.
Voices from this moment (1)
Taliban captures Kabul
Sep 27
“The Taliban seize the Afghan capital after years of civil…”
As it was happening
13 voices, 1912 days.
Day 0 · September 27, 1996
Taliban captures Kabul
The Taliban seize the Afghan capital after years of civil war, establishing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. They enforce strict Sharia law and provide safe haven to al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.
“The Taliban seize the Afghan capital after years of civil…”
- Taliban captures Kabul, Sep 27
Day 1810 · September 11, 2001
September 11 attacks
Al-Qaeda operatives trained in Afghanistan hijack four planes, killing nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. The attacks trigger immediate U.S. military planning against Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
“Al-Qaeda operatives trained in Afghanistan hijack four…”
- September 11 attacks, Sep 11
Day 1836 · October 7, 2001
Operation Enduring Freedom begins
The U.S. and UK launch airstrikes on Taliban military targets, airfields, and al-Qaeda training camps. The campaign marks the start of the war in Afghanistan.
“The U.”
- Operation Enduring Freedom begins, Oct 7
Day 1848 · October 19, 2001
Ground invasion commences
U.S. special forces and CIA paramilitary teams arrive in northern Afghanistan, linking up with the Northern Alliance militia to fight Taliban forces.
“U.”
- Ground invasion commences, Oct 19
Day 1869 · November 9, 2001
Mazar-i-Sharif falls
Northern Alliance forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes, capture Afghanistan's fourth-largest city. The Taliban's northern stronghold collapses in days.
“Northern Alliance forces, backed by U.”
- Mazar-i-Sharif falls, Nov 9
Day 1873 · November 13, 2001
Kabul captured
Northern Alliance troops enter Kabul as Taliban forces retreat south. The fall of the capital effectively ends Taliban rule, though fighting continues for weeks.
“There is jubilation in the streets, but also profound…”
- CNN World Report, December 2001, Nov 14
“The Afghan people have been liberated from one of the most…”
- UN Donor Conference, Geneva, December 2001, Dec 5
“We have not lost.”
- Synthesized from period accounts - Taliban radio broadcasts and intercepted statements, November 2001, Nov 28
“Yes, the Taliban are gone, but Afghanistan remains deeply…”
- Synthesized from period accounts - Washington Post and BBC analysis, November-December 2001, Dec 3
“Northern Alliance troops enter Kabul as Taliban forces…”
- Kabul captured, Nov 13
Day 1896 · December 6, 2001
Bonn Agreement signed
Afghan factions and international representatives agree on a political framework for post-Taliban Afghanistan, establishing a transitional government led by Hamid Karzai.
“The Taliban is out of power.”
- Press briefing, US Department of Defense, December 2001, Dec 10
“Afghan factions and international representatives agree on…”
- Bonn Agreement signed, Dec 6
Day 1912 · December 22, 2001
Karzai sworn in
Hamid Karzai becomes chairman of the Afghan Interim Authority, forming the first non-Taliban government in five years with international recognition.
“Hamid Karzai becomes chairman of the Afghan Interim…”
- Karzai sworn in, Dec 22
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Where this came from.
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Wikipedia
1 source- 1.Flag of the Taliban
en.wikipedia.org