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History of Afghanistan

Fall of Kabul

© Voice of America News

History of Afghanistan

Fall of Kabul

2021 Aug 15
Afghanistan
Fall of Kabul
Taliban fighters patrolling Kabul in a Humvee, 17 August 2021 © Voice of America News

In 2021, the withdrawal of U.S. forces and their allies from Afghanistan led to a significant power shift, culminating in the Taliban's swift takeover of Kabul on 15 August. The Afghan government under President Ghani collapsed, leading to his flight to Tajikistan and the subsequent formation of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan by anti-Taliban groups in the Panjshir Valley. Despite their efforts, the Taliban established an interim government led by Mohammad Hassan Akhund on 7 September, yet this administration has not gained international recognition.


The takeover has precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, exacerbated by the suspension of most foreign aid and the freezing of approximately $9 billion in Afghan central bank assets by the United States. This has severely hindered the Taliban's access to funds, contributing to an economic collapse and a broken banking system. By November 2021, Human Rights Watch reported widespread famine across the country. The situation has continued to deteriorate, with the UN World Food Program highlighting escalating food insecurity. By December 2023, the WHO reported that 30% of Afghans were facing acute food insecurity, with nearly 1 million children severely malnourished and an additional 2.3 million experiencing moderate acute malnutrition, underscoring the profound impact of political instability on the civilian population's well-being.

Page Last Updated: 10/13/2024

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