Talibaner attackerade poliser – 20 döda

The War in Afghanistan (2015–present) refers to the period of the War in Afghanistan following the US-led 2001–2014 phase. The U.S.-led war followed the September 11 attacks, aiming to attack al-Qaeda and deny it a safe haven in Afghanistan by removing the Taliban from power. After 2001, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) became increasingly involved, eventually running combat operations, under the direction of a U.S. commander. On 28 December 2014, NATO formally ended combat operations in Afghanistan and transferred full security responsibility to the Afghan government, marking the beginning of the new phase of the conflict. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, as well as other NATO troops, and the transfer of many combat roles from NATO forces to the Afghan security forces occurred between 2011 and 2016. A bilateral security agreement was signed between the US and Afghanistan that allows NATO troops to remain after the withdrawal date in an advisory and counter-terrorism capacity. The NATO troop presence amounts to approximately 13,000 troops including 9,800 Americans, as well as 26,000 military contractors. The relatively small American presence there has been active in executing airstrikes as well as providing close air support (CAS) for the Afghan forces. Not counting CAS missions, American airstrikes are estimated to have killed 2,600–3,400 people since January 1, 2015, of which 125 to 182 are estimated to be civilians.