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The ‘Forever War’ in Afghanistan: 25 Years in Pictures

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By The New York Times

Sept. 10, 2026Updated 7:52 a.m. ET

America’s “forever war” in Afghanistan began only weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks and lasted just short of 20 years, ending in the chaos of Aug. 15, 2021, when the capital, Kabul, fell once again to the Taliban.

Journalists for The New York Times covered the war from beginning to end and have continued capturing the lives of Afghanistan’s people as they navigate a scarred landscape and an uncertain future.

Operation Enduring Freedom began on Oct. 7, 2001, with an American bombing campaign against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. American Special Operations forces teams linked up with Afghan militias opposed to the Taliban, mainly the Northern Alliance, to drive the Taliban from power. Kabul fell in mid-November, along with the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar.

In December, Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda’s leader, escaped to Pakistan through the mountains around Tora Bora. That same month, an interim Afghan government led by Hamid Karzai was installed.

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Northern Alliance troops firing on Taliban positions in rugged territory outside the northeastern city of Taloqan in October 2001.

Fighters for the Northern Alliance heading to the front lines near the besieged Taliban stronghold of Kunduz in November 2001.

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