Afghanistan

Afghanistan has made significant progress since the Taliban was deposed in 2001, but still faces daunting challenges, including fighting an insurgency, preventing the return of terrorist organizations, recovering from three decades of civil strife, and rebuilding a shattered infrastructure. The U.S. Coalition and the Resolute Support Mission work in partnership with Afghan security forces to combat violent, extremist groups that continue to terrorize civilian populations and challenge all levels of government authority. These groups continue to engage in a fallback strategy of perpetrating violence against civilian targets, including assassinations, suicide bombings, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Internal problems following years of war and an ongoing insurgency continue to compromise efforts by the Afghan government to improve the country’s governance and stability. The government faces challenges in trying to develop a more effective police force, a fairer and more accessible legal system, and provincial and local institutions that work in partnership with traditional leaders to meet the needs of the population. Although Afghan security forces took over responsibility for security nationwide in June 2013, the United States and the international community continue to work closely with the Afghan government to bolster its capacity at all levels. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Afghanistan for additional information.