Last modification: 23/08/08
 -  Afghanistan - NATO - Taliban
 
Afghanistan's forgotten war resurfaces
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Since 2001, Afghan government forces and an international coalition have been fighting the Taliban, which has seen a strong comeback since 2006. An escalation in violence has brought this hidden war back to the forefront of global geopolitics.

 

Under direction from the US, foreign forces invaded Afghanistan at the end of 2001 and overthrew the Taliban regime which was refusing to hand over members of al Qaeda responsible for the September 11 attacks in the United States.

 

A big contingent of mostly American and British soldiers now face a daily fight against Afghan militants, a large number of whom are Taliban.

 

Nearly seven years later, Taliban leaders and jihadists are still at large and since 2006 alone, the war in Afghanistan has caused thousands of deaths. Violence has doubly worsened in the last two years.

 

Nearly 1000 soldiers from the international coalition forces have lost their lives and still insurgents are gaining ground. Found in well over half of the country, they are increasingly well-armed and trained and have gained support from some of the Afghan population.

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