Afghanistan

Background reviewed 2026-10-23 · Background as of 2026-10

Background

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan on 15 August 2021 as US and NATO forces completed their withdrawal, ending a 20-year war. Large-scale fighting inside the country has since declined, but the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has carried out attacks, and tensions with neighbouring Pakistan have grown.

Border clashes with Pakistan in October 2025 were followed by a ceasefire agreed in Doha, but fighting escalated again in February 2026, when Pakistan carried out air strikes on Kabul and Kandahar and its defence minister described the situation as “open war”.

History

Afghanistan has experienced war for most of the past half century: the Soviet intervention of 1979–1989, the civil war among mujahideen factions in the early 1990s, and the first Taliban government from 1996 to 2001, which was recognised by only a few states.

After the attacks of 11 September 2001, a US-led coalition removed the Taliban from power. A new republic was established, supported by international forces and aid, but the Taliban insurgency grew steadily stronger. The 2020 Doha agreement between the United States and the Taliban set a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign troops, and the republic collapsed in August 2021. Since then the Taliban government has imposed wide restrictions on women and girls, including bans on secondary and university education.

Main parties

Taliban (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) — De facto authorities since August 2021; not formally recognised by most states.
Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) — Armed group opposed to the Taliban.
Pakistan — Accuses Afghan territory of being used by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP); has carried out cross-border strikes.

Key dates

2001-10-07 — US-led military operations begin after the 11 September attacks.
2020-02-29 — The United States and the Taliban sign the Doha agreement.
2021-08-15 — The Taliban enter Kabul; the republic’s government collapses.
2021-08-26 — A suicide bombing at Kabul airport strikes crowds during the evacuation.
2025-08-31 — A strong earthquake strikes eastern Afghanistan.
2025-10 — Heavy border clashes with Pakistan; a ceasefire is agreed in Doha on 19 October.
2026-02-27 — Pakistan strikes Kabul and Kandahar and declares “open war” after renewed clashes.

Humanitarian situation

Afghanistan faces a deep humanitarian crisis, worsened by cuts in international aid, recurring natural disasters and the return of large numbers of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan since 2023. Restrictions on women and girls, including bans on secondary and higher education, have drawn wide international criticism.

How to read reports about Afghanistan

Cross-border incidents are reported very differently by Afghan and Pakistani officials; both versions appear in the linked reports.

Recent events

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