Archive · 27 Sep 2025
Taliban's 1996 Kabul Takeover and Rise to Power
Imagine a group called the Taliban took over the capital city of Afghanistan in 1996.
They were like a new government that wanted to make the country follow very strict rules, based on their interpretation of Islamic law.
They made it hard for women, and didn't allow things like TV or music.
After the September 11 attacks in 2001, the U.S. and its friends got involved, trying to stop the Taliban.
Though they were removed from power for a while, the Taliban kept fighting, and eventually, they took over again in 2021.
On September 27, 1996, the Taliban captured Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
The Taliban overthrew the government of President Burhanuddin Rabbani.
The Taliban's goal was to enforce their version of Islamic law.
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan.
The Taliban regained control in 2021, twenty years after being ousted.
- Who
- The Taliban, led by Mohammad Omar, captured Kabul.
- What
- The Taliban captured Kabul and declared Afghanistan an Islamic state, overthrowing the government and imposing restrictions.
- When
- September 27, 1996, and the Taliban regained power in 2021.
- Where
- Kabul, Afghanistan.
- Why
- The Taliban aimed to enforce their version of Islamic law and drive out foreign influence. The U.S. invaded Afghanistan to end Taliban support for al Qaeda.
- Date of Kabul Capture
- September 27, 1996
- Taliban Leader in 1996
- Mohammad Omar
- Government Overthrown
- President Burhanuddin Rabbani's
- Restrictions Imposed
- Harsh Islamic law, including on women's rights.
- U.S. and Allied Invasion
- Following the September 11, 2001 attacks
- Taliban's Return
- Regained power in 2021