US war in Afghanistan (2001–21)

Two-decade-long conflict in Afghanistan between US-led forces and the Taliban. In retaliation to the al-Qaeda’s terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001, and the Taliban’s refusal to surrender al-Qaeda leaders, American and British military forces launched an assault in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001. This followed two weeks of covert operations on ground in which the Central Intelligence Agency worked with local anti-Taliban groups to help target Taliban strongholds across the country — collaborations that would lead to the dismantling of Taliban power in coming years. Over the years the US helped establish new government administrations and initiate rebuilding efforts in the country; however, by the time international troops withdrew in 2021, anti-American sentiment in Afghanistan had grown and the Taliban also regained power.