2020 in Afghanistan

Last updated

Contents

Flag of Afghanistan (2013-2021).svg
2020
in
Afghanistan
Decades:
See also: Other events of 2020
List of years in Afghanistan

Events in the year 2020 in Afghanistan.

Incumbents

Events

January

February

March

May

May 2020 Afghanistan attacks

June

June 2020 Afghanistan attacks

July

July 2020 Afghanistan attacks

August

August 2020 Afghanistan attacks

September

September 2020 Afghanistan attacks

October

October 2020 Afghanistan attacks

November

November 2020 Afghanistan attacks

Deaths

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taliban insurgency</span> Insurgency during the War in Afghanistan

The Taliban insurgency began after the group's fall from power during the 2001 War in Afghanistan. The Taliban forces fought against the Afghan government, led by President Hamid Karzai, and later by President Ashraf Ghani, and against a US-led coalition of forces that has included all members of NATO; the 2021 Taliban offensive resulted in the collapse of the government of Ashraf Ghani. The private sector in Pakistan extends financial aid to the Taliban, contributing to their financial sustenance.

The following lists events from 2014 in Afghanistan.

The following lists events that happened during 2015 in Afghanistan.

The following lists events that happened during 2016 in Afghanistan.

On the morning of 19 April 2016, Taliban militants attacked a security team responsible for protecting government VIPs in Kabul, Afghanistan. The initial attack killed 64 people and wounded 347. It was their biggest attack on an urban area since 2001.

Events in the year 2017 in Afghanistan.

Events in the year 2018 in Afghanistan.

On 27 January 2018, an ambulance was used as a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device near Sidarat Square in Kabul, Afghanistan. At least 103 people were killed and 235 others wounded in the attack. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

Events from the year 2019 in Afghanistan.

On 21 January 2019, in central Afghanistan, the Taliban attacked a military compound in Maidan Shar, killing officers of the Afghan National Directorate of Security. The Taliban attacked while engaging in the process of negotiating a truce with the United States. The attack began when an explosives-laden car rammed through a military checkpoint and onto the grounds of the compound, where the vehicle detonated. After the explosion, two gunmen entered the base and opened fire on Afghan soldiers, before the two were shot down. A senior official in the Afghan defense ministry said that 126 people were killed in the explosion. The Taliban claimed responsibility and stated that over 190 people were killed in the attack. The Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) reported that 36 military personnel were killed in the attack. Afghan president, Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack and said that the 'Afghan intelligence agency personnel were target of the attack'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Islamic State–Taliban conflict</span> 2015–present armed conflict in Afghanistan

The Islamic State–Taliban conflict is an ongoing insurgency by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-KP) against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The conflict initially began when both operated as rival insurgent groups in Nangarhar; since the formation of the Taliban's state in 2021, IS-KP members have enacted a campaign of terrorism targeting both civilians and assassinating Taliban members using hit-and-run tactics. The group have also caused incidents and attacks across the border in Pakistan.

The 2019 Kabul mosque bombing occurred around 01:20pm on 24 May 2019 when worshippers and the imam were inside the mosque for Friday prayer. The explosives were placed in the mosque's microphone which was used by the imam. At least three people were killed, including the imam, Samiullah Rayhan, and nearly 20 people were injured. So far, no group or individual has claimed to be responsible for the attack.

On 17 August 2019, a suicide bombing took place during a wedding in a wedding hall in Kabul, Afghanistan. At least 92 people were killed in the attack and over 140 injured. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant claimed responsibility for the bombing, stating that the attack targeted the Shi'ites. More than 1,000 people were gathered for the wedding when the attack took place. The attack occurred a day before the 100th Afghan Independence Day, causing the government to postpone the planned celebrations taking place at the Darul Aman Palace. It was the deadliest attack in Kabul since January 2018.

In May 2020, a series of insurgent attacks took place in Afghanistan, starting when the Taliban killed 20 Afghan soldiers and wounded 29 others in Zari, Balkh and Grishk, Helmand on 1 and 3 May, respectively. On 12 May, a hospital's maternity ward in Kabul and a funeral in Kuz Kunar (Khewa), Nangarhar were attacked, resulting in the deaths of 56 people and injuries of 148 others, including newborn babies, mothers, nurses, and mourners. ISIL–KP claimed responsibility for the funeral bombing, but no insurgent group claimed responsibility for the hospital shooting.

In June 2020, insurgents and the Taliban carried out attacks throughout Afghanistan in a continuation of attacks carried out in May.

In a continuation of previous attacks by the Taliban in May and June, multiple clashes between Afghan security forces and the Taliban were reported. They carried out several attacks throughout Afghanistan, resulting in multiple fatalities on both sides. Both the Taliban and government forces have accused each other responsibility over the recent surge in violence across Afghanistan. The attacks come despite the signing of a peace deal with the U.S. in February that was intended to put an end to the war.

The October 2020 Afghanistan attacks were multiple attacks launched by insurgents including the Taliban and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province in October 2020. The attacks left at least 243 people dead and 339 injured. 10 perpetrators were also killed in these attacks.

The year 2021 in Afghanistan was marked by a major offensive from the Taliban beginning in May and the Taliban capturing Kabul in August.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States–Taliban deal</span> Peace agreement signed in Doha, Qatar

The Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan, commonly known as the United States–Taliban deal or the Doha Accord, was a peace agreement signed by the United States and the Taliban on 29 February 2020 in Doha, Qatar, to bring an end to the 2001–2021 war in Afghanistan. Negotiated for the US by Zalmay Khalilzad for the Trump administration, the agreement did not involve the then Afghan government. The deal, which also had secret annexes, was one of the critical events that caused the collapse of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). Adhering to the conditions of the deal, the US dramatically reduced the number of US air raids, leaving the ANDSF without a key advantage in keeping the Taliban at bay. This resulted in "a sense of abandonment within the ANDSF and the Afghan population" according to a report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). ANDSF was ill-prepared to sustain security following a US withdrawal, which allowed for the Taliban insurgency, ultimately leading to the Taliban takeover of Kabul on 15 August 2021.

References

  1. Abdul Qadir Sediqi (January 27, 2020). "Aircraft crashes in central Afghan province". Reuters.
  2. 1 2 Hassan, Sharif; George, Susannah; Salahuddin, Sayed (January 29, 2020). "Afghan forces rescue more than 60 hostages from Taliban prison in night raid". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on January 31, 2020.
  3. Gul, Ayaz (February 6, 2020). "Afghan Leader Inaugurates Construction of Key Regional Energy Project". Voice of America.
  4. Kermani, Secunder; Yousafzai, Sami; Mehsud, Ishtiaq (February 7, 2020). "Kabul Taliban: Spies, militants and a mysterious assassination". BBC News .
  5. Fitsanakis, Joseph (February 10, 2020). "Pakistani Taliban leaders found dead in Kabul hotel, culprits unknown". intelNews.
  6. George, Susannah; Hassan, Sharif (February 9, 2020). "The gunfire lasted just minutes but left two U.S. soldiers in eastern Afghanistan dead". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on February 11, 2020.
  7. Mashal, Mujib; Ghazi, Zabihullah; Gibbons-Neff, Thomas; Jakes, Lara (February 9, 2020). "Two American Soldiers Killed in Shootout With Afghan Forces". The New York Times . Archived from the original on February 9, 2020. Six other American service members were wounded, Colonel Leggett said in a statement early Sunday. He said an investigation was underway and that the motive for the attack was unclear. The two soldiers killed, part of the Seventh Special Forces Group, were Staff Sgt. Javier J. Gutierrez, 28, of San Antonio and Staff Sgt. Antonio R. Rodriguez, 28, of Las Cruces, N.M., according to a Pentagon statement released Sunday.
  8. Agence France-Presse (February 11, 2020). "At least five dead in suicide attack on Kabul military academy". The Guardian .
  9. Sediqi, Abdul Qadir; Ahmed, Jibran; Peshimam, Gibran Naiyyar; Greenfield, Charlotte (February 11, 2020). Jain, Rupam; Fernandez, Clarence; Graff, Peter (eds.). "Six killed in suicide blast in Kabul, Taliban deny attack". Reuters. "Six people including two civilians and four military personnel were killed," interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told Reuters, adding that 12 people were wounded, five of them civilians.
  10. Wamsley, Laurel (February 15, 2020). "U.S. Reaches 'Reduction In Violence' Deal With Taliban In Afghanistan". NPR.
  11. Mashal, Mujib (February 18, 2020). "After 5-Month Delay, Ashraf Ghani Is Named Winner of Afghan Election". The New York Times . Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday was declared the winner of Afghanistan's presidential vote after months of delayed results and bitter dispute. [...] Fazel Ahmad Manawi, a senior member of Mr. Abdullah's team, had said hours before the announcement that "neither the institution called independent election commission has legitimacy in our eyes, nor the result they might announce."
  12. Graham-Harrison, Emma (February 18, 2020). "Ghani declared winner of Afghan election - but opponent rejects result". The Guardian . Five months after Afghans went to the polls to choose a new president, election authorities have declared the incumbent, Ashraf Ghani, the winner, but his main opponent has rejected the result and said he will form his own "inclusive government".
  13. Sediqi, Abdul Qadir; Peshimam, Gibran (February 19, 2020). Osterman, Cynthia (ed.). "U.S. special envoy discusses Taliban deal with re-elected Afghan president". Reuters. U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday discussed a U.S. deal with Taliban militants on a weeklong reduction in violence, meeting the day after Ghani was declared a winner of a disputed presidential poll. [...] Khalilzad, who has led talks with the Taliban on a U.S. troop withdrawal agreement, briefed Ghani on the steps that will be taken after the reduction in violence agreement comes into force, the presidential palace statement said.
  14. U.S.-Taliban sign landmark agreement in bid to end America's longest war NBC News, 29 Feb 2020
  15. "Kabul attack: Abdullah Abdullah escapes deadly attack". BBC News. 2020-03-06. Retrieved 2021-08-23.
  16. Bomb disrupts funeral for 25 Sikhs killed in Afghan capital By TAMEEM AKHGAR, AP, 26 Mar 2020
  17. 1 2 Afghan officials say Taliban attacks kill 11 troops, police By RAHIM FAIEZ, Associated Press/ABC News, 30 Mar 2020
  18. At least 27 Afghan security personnel killed in Taliban assaults By Abdul Qadir Sediqi, Reuters, 30 Mar 2020
  19. "Exclusive: Afghan lawmakers say 45 migrants drowned after Iranian guards forced them into river". REUTERS. May 7, 2020.
  20. Press, Europa. "AMP3.- Afganistán.- Al menos 24 muertos en un atentado de Estado Islámico en el funeral de un policía en Nangarhar". Publimetro México (in Spanish). Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  21. "'Sheer evil' maternity ward attack toll rises to 24". BBC News. 13 May 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  22. Sultan, Ahmad; Sediqi, Abdul Qadir (May 14, 2020). Gopalakrishnan, Raju (ed.). "Truck bomb in eastern Afghan city kills five, Taliban claim responsibility". Reuters. A truck packed with explosives blew up near a court in the eastern Afghan city of Gardez on Thursday, killing at least five people in an attack claimed by Taliban insurgents. [...] "A car bomb explosion took place near a military court in Gardez city, which is a populated area. Dozens of civilians are feared to be dead and wounded," said Tariq Arian, an interior ministry spokesman.
  23. "Afghan Taliban announce three-day Eid ceasefire". BBC News. 2020-05-24. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  24. "Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Afghanistan". United Nations Secretary-General. 2020-05-23. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  25. "Separate attacks kill 14 Afghan forces in Kabul, northeast". AP NEWS. 2020-06-06. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  26. "Official: Bomb explodes in Kabul mosque, at least 4 killed". ABC News. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  27. "Afghans Say Taliban Attacks Kill At Least 17 Military Personnel In Northern Provinces". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. June 17, 2020. Afghan officials say Taliban fighters have attacked a checkpoint in the northern province of Jawzjan, killing 12 security force members. Abdul Marouf Azar, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said on June 17 that five others were wounded in the attack that occurred at dawn in the Aqcha district.
  28. "Latest Taliban Attacks Kill 17 Afghan Forces". www.voanews.com. Archived from the original on 2020-06-21.
  29. "Afghanistan: Taliban attack security forces checkpoints in Aqcha (Jowzjan province) June 17". www.garda.com. Archived from the original on 2020-06-29.
  30. "Blast kills at least 23 at cattle market in southern Afghanistan". Reuters. 2020-06-29. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  31. "Taliban car bomb attack on Afghan intelligence compound kills 11". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 2020-07-13.
  32. "Taliban kill 11 in assault on Afghan intelligence compound". abcnews.go.com. Archived from the original on 2020-07-13.
  33. Mashal, Mujib; Rahim, Najim (13 July 2020). "Taliban Stage a Major Attack, as Violence Intensifies in Northern Afghanistan". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2020-07-13.
  34. "Taliban Car Bomb Attack on Afghan Intel Office Kills 11". www.thedefensepost.com. 13 July 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-07-14.
  35. "Civilians among 45 killed in Afghan air raids against Taliban". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 2020-07-22.
  36. "Afghan airstrike allegedly hits civilians welcoming freed Taliban prisoner back home". www.cbsnews.com. Archived from the original on 2020-07-23.
  37. "Afghan Officials Say Taliban, Not Civilians, Killed in Air Strike". www.voanews.com. Archived from the original on 2020-07-24.
  38. "Afghanistan investigating deadly air strike in Herat". www.trtworld.com. Archived from the original on 2020-07-24.
  39. "Taliban agree Eid ceasefire in boost for Afghanistan peace process". www.theguardian.com. 30 July 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-07-30.
  40. 1 2 "Taliban declares cease-fire in Afghanistan for Eid, as pressure builds for peace talks". www.washingtonpost.com. Archived from the original on 2020-07-28.
  41. "Taliban announce three-day ceasefire in Afghanistan for Eid al-Adha, starting Friday". www.reuters.com. 28 July 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-07-29.
  42. "Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Deadly Attack on Afghan Prison". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  43. "Inundaciones repentinas dejan más de 70 muertos en Afganistán". www.msn.com (in Spanish). 24 Horas. Retrieved August 26, 2020. "Inundaciones repentinas dejan más de 70 muertos en Afganistán". www.msn.com (in Spanish). Reuters. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  44. FAIEZ, RAHIM (9 September 2020). "Afghan officials: Kabul bomb targets VP, kills 10 civilians". AP NEWS. AP NEWS. Retrieved Sep 12, 2020.
  45. "El Talibán inicia "históricas" conversaciones de paz con el gobierno de Afganistán". www.msn.com. BBC World News. September 12, 2020. Retrieved Sep 12, 2020.
  46. "2 Killed, 12 Wounded in Takhar Blast". TOLOnews. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  47. "NDS Colonel Murdered in Kabul, Public Demands Better Security". TOLOnews. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  48. "Suicide car bombing kills several, wounds dozens in western Afghanistan". TRTWorld. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  49. TOLOnews. "Jalalabad: 12 Women Killed in Stampede for Pakistani Visas". Archived from the original on October 23, 2020. At least 12 women were trampled to death--and 9 women and 3 men were injured-- during a stampede occurring among those seeking Pakistani visas in Jalalabad city, capital of Nangarhar province on Wednesday, local officials said.
  50. Radio Free Afghanistan (October 22, 2020). "Local Officials, Kabul Clash Over Whether Children Were Killed In Mosque Air Strike". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Officials in the northern Afghan province of Takhar say 12 children were killed in an air strike on a mosque, but the government in Kabul disputes the account, claiming all those killed were Taliban fighters. The strike occurred on October 21 in Baharak district, some 15 kilometers from the regional capital, Taloqan, where Taliban fighters had killed dozens of Afghan security forces in the early morning, provincial councilor Mohammad Azam Afzali said.
  51. "Strong support for Afghanistan at the 2020 Afghanistan Conference". UNAMA. 2020-11-24. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  52. Abed, Fahim (6 May 2020). "Munir Mangal, Afghan General and Police Commander, Dies at 70". The New York Times . Archived from the original on 6 May 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  53. "Veteran Afghan Actor Faqeer Nabi, 67, Dies of COVID-19". TOLOnews. Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  54. "Afghanistan Batsman Najeeb Tarakai Loses Life in Road Accident, Board Mourns Death". News18 . Retrieved 5 October 2020.