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The Second Afghan Civil War from 1992 to 1996 followed the disintegration of the Soviet-backed Republic of Afghanistan, marked by the mujahideen's refusal to form a coalition government, leading to intense conflict among various factions. Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin, led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and supported by Pakistan's ISI, attempted to capture Kabul, resulting in widespread fighting that eventually involved up to six mujahideen armies. This period saw fleeting alliances and a continuous struggle for power within Afghanistan.
The Taliban, emerging with support from Pakistan and the ISI, rapidly gained control, capturing major cities including Kandahar, Herat, Jalalabad, and ultimately Kabul by September 1996. This victory led to the establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and set the stage for further conflict with the Northern Alliance in the subsequent civil war from 1996 to 2001.
The war significantly impacted Kabul's demographic, with the population decreasing from two million to 500,000 due to mass displacement. The Afghan Civil War of 1992–1996, characterized by its brutality and the suffering it caused, remains a pivotal and devastating chapter in Afghanistan's history, deeply influencing the nation's political and social fabric.

Map showing political control in Afghanistan in 1992, following the collapse of the Najibullah government. © Sommerkom
Battle of Kabul
Throughout 1992, Kabul became a battleground with mujahideen factions engaging in heavy artillery and rocket attacks, contributing to significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The conflict's intensity did not wane in 1993, despite several attempts at ceasefires and peace accords, all of which failed due to ongoing rivalries and mistrust among the factions.
By 1994, the conflict expanded beyond Kabul, with new alliances forming, notably between Dostum's Junbish-i Milli and Hekmatyar's Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin, further complicating the civil war landscape. This year also marked the Taliban's emergence as a formidable force, capturing Kandahar and rapidly gaining territory across Afghanistan.
The civil war landscape in 1995–96 saw the Taliban capturing strategic locations and approaching Kabul, challenging the interim government led by Burhanuddin Rabbani and Ahmad Shah Massoud's forces. The Taliban's momentum and Pakistani support prompted the formation of new alliances among rival factions in a bid to halt the Taliban's advance. However, these efforts were in vain as the Taliban captured Kabul in September 1996, establishing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and marking a new chapter in the country's tumultuous history.

Map showing political control in Afghanistan in the fall of 1996, following the capture of Kabul by the Taliban.© Sommerkom