The War in Afghanistan 2001-2021
:: Major Battles and Operations ::
The war began on October 7, 2001, when the United States launched military actions under Operation Enduring Freedom.
Battle of Qala-i-Jangi
November 25 - December 1, 2001.
An uprising by Taliban prisoners against Northern Alliance forces, which escalated
into a fierce battle involving U.S. Special Forces.
Battle of Tora Bora
November 30 - December 17, 2001.
U.S. forces and Afghan allies attempted to capture Osama bin Laden in his mountain
stronghold. Despite heavy bombardment and ground assaults, bin Laden managed to escape to Pakistan.
Operation Anaconda
March 2 - 10, 2002.
One of the largest operations in the early years of the war, involving U.S. and Afghan forces against
approximately 800 al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters in the Shah-i-Kot Valley of Paktia Province.
Battle of Kandahar
December 2001 - July 2002 (exact dates vary).
Following the initial invasion, coalition forces engaged in a series of
battles to secure Kandahar, the spiritual home of the Taliban.
Battle of Marjah
February 13 - March 10, 2010.
Also: Battle of Helmand, Operation Moshtarak. Approximately 15,000 troops from
various nations, including Afghan, American, British, Canadian, Danish, and Estonian forces, aimed at clearing Taliban
fighters from the town of Marjah in Helmand Province. By February 18, coalition forces had secured approximately
two-thirds of Marjah but faced ongoing resistance from remaining Taliban fighters.
First Battle of Kunduz
September 28 - October 13, 2015.
On September 28, 2015, the Taliban launched a coordinated assault on Kunduz city (population approx. 300,000),
quickly overrunning government defenses and forcing Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to retreat to the airport.
This marked the first time since 2001 that the Taliban had taken control of a major city in Afghanistan.
Afghan forces began a counterattack on September 29, supported by U.S. airstrikes and special operations personnel.
However, progress was slow as Taliban fighters surrounded the airport and continued to engage government troops.
By October 1, Afghan forces had recaptured several key facilities within Kunduz, but the situation remained fluid with
ongoing clashes throughout the city.
On October 3, a tragic incident occurred when U.S. airstrikes hit the Kunduz Trauma Centre run by MSF, resulting in
the deaths of at least 42 people, including staff and patients. This attack raised international outcry and calls for
accountability regarding civilian protections during military operations.
By October 13, after several days of heavy fighting, Afghan forces, supported by U.S. airpower, managed to push back
Taliban fighters from much of Kunduz city. Estimates indicated that at least 848 civilians were killed or wounded
during the fighting in Kunduz. The battle also led to the displacement of tens of thousands of residents as they
fled the violence.
Second Battle of Kunduz
March - April 2016 (exact dates vary).
Throughout March, the Taliban launched several attacks aimed at regaining control over Kunduz city and
surrounding areas. Afghan security forces, supported by U.S. airstrikes, pushed back. At the end of April 2016,
control over Kunduz city was contested between the Taliban and Afghan government forces. Both sides claimed gains
during this period.
Fall of Kabul
August 6 - 15, 2021.
Taliban offensive that captured their first provincial capital, Zaranj, in Nimroz Province, on August 6, 2021.
On August 8, the Taliban succeeded in taking control of Kunduz city. Following Kunduz's capture, the Taliban
continued their advance, seizing several other key cities including Herat, Lashkar Gah, and Kandahar within days.
Despite extensive training and support from international forces over the years, many Afghan units collapsed or
retreated without engaging in combat.
On August 15, 2021, the Taliban entered Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani fled the country as government control
disintegrated. The insurgents declared victory and reinstated the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
The speed of the Taliban's advance surprised both U.S. officials and their allies, culminating in one of the
largest non-combatant evacuation operations in history as international forces scrambled to evacuate personnel
and vulnerable Afghans.
The War in Afghanistan ended August 30, 2021, when the last U.S. military aircraft departed from Afghanistan,
ending U.S. military presence in the country.
Number of U.S. Troops Stationed in Afghanistan
Max. number of troops for each year:
2001: Approximately 1,300
2002: Approximately 8,000
2003: Approximately 10,000
2004: Approximately 20,000
2005: Approximately 20,000
2006: Approximately 20,000
2007: Approximately 28,000
2008: Approximately 30,000
2009: Approximately 68,000
2010: Approximately 100,000
2011: Approximately 90,000
2012: Approximately 68,000
2013: Approximately 47,000
2014: Approximately 34,000
2015: Approximately 10,800
2016: Approximately 8,400
2017: Approximately 14,000
2018: Approximately 14,000
2019: Approximately 12,000
2020: Approximately 2,500
2021: Approximately 2,500 (until August when the withdrawal was completed)
War in Afghanistan Death Toll
Total Civilian Deaths: ~46,319 (likely more)
Total U.S. Military Deaths: ~2,324
Total U.S. Contractors Deaths: ~3,917
Total Allied Troops Deaths: ~1,144
