What led to the fall of Kabul?

U.S. defense officials reportedly expected Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, to fall in 90 days. It took less than 10 days. Among the key causes, analysts say, are intelligence failures, a more powerful Taliban, corruption, money, cultural differences and willpower.

How long did it take for Kabul to fall?

11 days in August: How Afghanistan fell. It’s been barely a week since the Taliban seized control of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.

What is the importance of Kabul?

Kabul is known for its historical gardens, bazaars, and palaces, well known examples being the Gardens of Babur and Darul Aman Palace. In the latter half of the 20th century, it became a stop on the hippie trail attracting tourists, while the city also gained the nickname Paris of Central Asia.

What day did Kabul fall to the Taliban?

Clinching the takeover, Taliban fighters marched into Kabul on Aug. 15 and sought the unconditional surrender of the central government. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country as the Taliban said it would move further into Kabul.

When did troops enter Afghanistan?

October 7, 2001: ‘Enduring Freedom’ launched Less than a month after the September 11 attacks, US President George W Bush launches “Operation Enduring Freedom” in Afghanistan, after the Taliban refuses to hand over al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

What does the fall of Kabul mean for Afghanistan?

“The fall of Kabul dishonors the sacrifice of over 150,000 Afghan lives, over 3,000 of NATO soldiers’ lives, 20 years of reconstruction efforts and over a trillion U.S. dollars. It is the beginning of hopelessness and bottomless uncertainty for the long-suffering Afghans.

What’s happening in Afghanistan?

Twenty years after the extremist group lost control of Afghanistan, insurgent fighters surrounded Kabul on Sunday morning and sent negotiators to hold talks with the national government in the presidential palace. Helicopters ferried diplomats off the roof of the U.S. embassy in Kabul.

What happened at Kabul airport?

On Sunday afternoon, several high-ranking Afghan officials were spotted in the VIP lounge at Kabul airport, according to CNN, presumably ready to leave the country in the hands of the Taliban. A few hours later, the airport descended into scenes of chaos as Western officials and Afghans rushed to leave the country.

When did Afghanistan fall to the Taliban?

War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Kabul fell to Taliban forces on 15 August 2021 in the culmination of a military offensive that began in May 2021 against the Afghan government. The capture took place hours after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.