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Key dates in the history of the Taliban and Contemporary Afghanistan
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Soviet Union invades Afghanistan.
Soviet troops install a puppet regime in Kabul. The U.S., Pakistan, China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia offer support to mujahideen “freedom fighters” as they begin a guerrilla war against the Soviets.
Top
Soviet troops withdraw.
Mujahideen forces, led by Ahmed Shah Massoud, remove the Soviet-backed government of Mohammad Najibullah. Rival militias vie for influence.
The factions agree on the formation of a government with Burhanuddin Rabbani as president, but infighting continues. Lawlessness is rampant.
September
Taliban ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Salam Zaeef seated in front of Taliban militia members. Source: AP Photos
The Taliban (“religious students”) are appointed by Pakistan to protect a trade convoy and quickly emerge as one of the strongest factions.
The Taliban, under the leadership of Mullah Muhammad Omar, seize control of Kabul and implement a strict interpretation of Islamic law. They exile President Rabbani and execute Najibullah.
The Taliban offer Osama bin Laden refuge.
Sept.–Oct.
The Taliban fail to capture and hold the city of Mazar-i-Sharif (held sacred by Shiites as the site of Ali’s grave). Pakistani religious schools send reinforcements to the Taliban.
Aug. 20
The U.S. launches missiles at suspected bin Laden bases in retaliation for the bombing of embassies in Africa.
Sept. 13
The Taliban take over the city of Bamian.
March
A UN-brokered peace agreement is reached between the Taliban and their main remaining foe, the Northern Alliance under Ahmed Shah Massoud. Fighting breaks out again in July.
October
The Taliban take Mazar-i-Sharif. There are unconfirmed reports of mass arrests and executions (numbering in the thousands) of Shiites, especially of the Hazara ethnic group.
November
The U.N. imposes an air embargo and freezes Taliban assets in an attempt to force them to hand over bin Laden for trial.
Record cold, drought, and civil war push an estimated 200,000 more Afghans into refugee camps.
2001
Related Links
- Terrorism Around the World
- Who Are The Taliban?
- Who’s Who in Afghanistan?
- Who Is Osama bin Laden?
- Timeline: Sept. 11, 2001
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Our Common Sources
Timeline: The Taliban - 2001
- Timeline: The Taliban - 2001
TrendingHere are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?
The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Current Events This Week: January 2023
African Americans by the Numbers
Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents
The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales
TrendingHere are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?
The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Current Events This Week: January 2023
African Americans by the Numbers
Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents
The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales
- Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?
- The Twelve Dancing Princesses
- Current Events This Week: January 2023
- African Americans by the Numbers
- Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents
- The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales
