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Afghan Civil War
Date 1978–(conflict still ongoing) Location Afghanistan Result Conflict ongoing

Afghan Civil War
Soviet involvement · (1989-1992) · (1992-1996) · (1996-2001)· US/NATO involvement

The Afghan Civil War is a civil war in Afghanistan that began in 1978 and has continued since, though it has included several distinct phases.

Contents 1 Timeline 1.1 Soviet involvement 1.2 Government collapse 1.3 Anarchy 1.4 Taliban control 1.5 United States involvement

Main article: Soviet war in Afghanistan

A newly installed communist government encountered resistance to its programs. At its request, the Soviet Union sent armed forces into the country. Even with Soviet support the government never managed to effectively control the country and stop the rebellion, which had support from Pakistan, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. The Soviet Union withdrew its forces in 1989.

Main article: Afghan Civil War (1989-1992)

After the Soviet withdrawal, the Republic of Afghanistan continued to deal with attacks from the Mujahideen. They received funding and arms from the Soviet Union for several years and actually increased their effectiveness past levels ever achieved during the Soviet's occupation. But the government was dealt a major blow when Abdul Rashid Dostum, a leading general, defected to the Mujahideen.

Main article: Afghan Civil War (1992-1996)

After taking power, the unity of the Mujahideen evaporated and fighting began between them. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar was blamed for a rocket attack on the government, prompting Dostum to launch a campaign against him. Dostum later joined forces with Hekmatyar and fighting destroyed much of Kabul as the nation was split along factional lines. In 1994, the Taliban Movement began in southern Afghanistan, and made fast gains for the next two years against both Dostum and Tajik commander Ahmed Shah Massoud; in 1996 the Taliban took the capital.

Main article: Afghan Civil War (1996-2001)

After the fall of Kabul, Dostum and Massoud joined forces to form the United Islamic Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan (Northern Alliance). During this time the Taliban continued to make gains against the Alliance, eventually taking up to 95% of Afghanistan. Dostum was forced out of Afghanistan, and Massoud was assassinated on September 9, 2001, most probably by al-Qaeda operatives.

Main articles: 2001 war in Afghanistan and Taliban insurgency

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the United States and allies with the help of Pakistan and the Northern Alliance overthrew the Taliban and established a new republic under president Hamid Karzai. Taliban resistance continues in the southern part of the country.