(New York, NY) –- The Counter Extremism Project today released a new resource detailing Afghanistan’s tumultuous history and present challenges from violent extremists like ISIS and the Taliban, who have recently stepped up the pace and lethality of their attacks against both civilians and the government.

Afghanistan: Extremism and Counter-Extremism is the newest addition to CEP’s interactive Areas of Operation map. The report traces the origins of al-Qaeda and the Taliban to the Soviet invasion and Afghan civil war in the 1980s and early 1990s, which brought thousands of Islamic fighters into the country, including al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. In 1996, the Taliban seized control of the country, allowing al-Qaeda a safe haven from which to plan attacks. In 2001, the Taliban were driven from power by U.S. forces.

According to the United Nations, Afghanistan suffered a record number of casualties in 2015, with 3,500 civilians killed and almost 7,500 wounded, as extremist groups began increasing attacks following the end of NATO combat operations in 2014. In September 2015, the Taliban captured a major Afghan city—the northern provincial capital of Kunduz—for the first time since 2001.

CEP’s Areas of Operation map describes extremism and counter-extremism efforts in 26 countries, as well as graphically displaying the scope and impact of 30 major extremist and terrorist groups operating around the world. 

For requests for interviews, please contact CEP at [email protected].