Recent History Of Afghanistan

An overview of the turbulent times...

Updated on: 7 February 2024 7:12 pm

1973 Mohammed Daoud assumes the Presidency of Afghanistan after a military coup, abolishes the monarchy. King Zahir Shah sent into exile. br>

1974-1978 Opposition to Daoud increases among a range of Islamic and Communist factions. br>

Apr 1978 Daoud assassinated and replaced by a junta led by Nur Mohammed Taraki/Hafizullah Amin.

Dec 1979 Soviet troops invade Afghanistan, instal friendly government

1980-1989 Armed mujahideen groups fight Soviet and government forces; hundreds of thousands of Afghans die in the struggle, millions become refugees.

1986 President Mohammed Najibullah takes office

1988 Geneva Accords signed, outlining a plan for the withdrawal of Soviet troops

Feb 1989 Soviet troops withdraw from Afghanistan

Feb 1989-Apr 1992 Increased conflict between government and opposition forces

Apr 1992 President Najibullah is replaced by a four-member council under a UN plan

Late Apr 1992 An interim government led by Professor Sibghatollah Mojadidi takes power

Jun 1992 An interim government led by Burhanuddin Rabbani takes office

Dec 1992 Rabbani is elected President, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar Prime Minister, and Ahmad Shah Masood becomes Minister of Defence

1992 to early 1995 Fighting spreads to all major cities as the Shura-e-Nezar (Supervisor Council) and the Shura-e Hamahangi (Supreme Coordination Council) compete for control.

Sept 27, 1996 The Taliban gains control of Kabul. Najibullah and his brother, Shahpur Ahmedzi, executed.

Late 1996 - early 1997 Militia leaders Dostum and Rabbani, along with Hezb-e-Wahadat and Harkat-e-Islami factions form Northern Alliance to resist the Taliban. The Taliban, however, continue to make gains, conquer Kandahar, Herat, and Jalalabad.

May 1997 Dostum goes into exile in Turkey following his general, Malik Pehelwan's defection to the Taliban. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE recognise Taliban regime.

Sept 1997 Dostum returns to his stronghold, Mazar-e-Sharif, with strong backing from Uzbekistan.

Aug 8,1998 Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif

Aug 20, 1998 US Cruise missiles strike Afghanistan in response to terrorist attacks by Osama bin Laden on US facilities in Tanzania, Kenya.

Aug 1998. Taliban military advances. Iranian diplomats and ethnic Hazaras massacred by Taliban troops.

Feb 1999 The Taliban rules out bin Laden's extradition on US' demand, claims he's missing.

Dec 2000 The UN Security Council imposes stricter sanctions on Afghanistan.

Mar 2001 Bamiyan's famous Buddha statues destroyed by Taliban.

Sept 2001 Ahmed Shah Masood killed.

Sept 2001 USA declares war on Afghanistan after Taliban refuses to hand over Osama bin Laden