Fall of Kabul (2001)
Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, fell in November 2001 to the Northern Alliance forces during the War in Afghanistan. Northern Alliance forces began their attack on the city on 13 November and made swift progress against Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces that were heavily weakened by American and British air strikes. The advance moved ahead of plans, and the next day the Northern Alliance forces (supported by ODA 555) entered Kabul and met no resistance inside the city. Taliban forces retreated to Kandahar in the south.
Fall of Kabul | |||||||
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Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Invasion of Afghanistan | |||||||
Kabul in December 2003 | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Islamic State of Afghanistan United States |
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Al-Qaeda | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Mohammed Fahim Bismillah Khan Tommy Franks |
Mullah Omar Osama bin Laden Mohammed Atef † | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
Northern Alliance ODA 555 |
Afghan Armed Forces 055 Brigade | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Unknown |
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Coupled with the fall of Mazar-i-Sharif five days earlier, the capture of Kabul was a significant blow to Taliban control of Afghanistan. As a result of all the losses, surviving members of the Taliban and al-Qaeda, including Osama bin Laden, retreated toward Kandahar, the spiritual birthplace and home of the Taliban movement, and Tora Bora.