Ahmed Shah Massoud Biography

The Taliban started shelling Kabul in early 1995 but were defeated by forces of the Islamic State Government under Ahmad Shah Massoud

Ahmad Shah Massoud was the only main leader able to defend his territory against the Taliban and as such remained as the main de facto political and military leader of the United Front recognized by members of all the different ethnic groups

From the Taliban conquest of Kabul in September 1996 until November 2001 the United Front controlled roughly 30% of Afghanistans population in provinces such as Badakhshan, Kapisa, Takhar and parts of Parwan, Kunar, Nuristan, Laghman, Samangan, Kunduz, Ghr and Bamyan.

The Northern Alliance military front is formed in late 1996 after the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban) took over Kabul, the United Front is assembled by key leaders of the Islamic State of Afghanistan, particularly president in exile Burhanuddin Rabbani and former Defence Minister Ahmad Shah Massoud.

The Northern Alliance wfights a defensive war against the Taliban Government, they receive support from Iran, Russia, Turkey, India, Tajikistan and others while the Taliban are backed by al-Qaeda, the Northern Alliance is mostly made up of ethnic Tajiks, but later includes Uzbeks, Hazaras, and Pashtuns.

Ahmad Shah Massoud was the only main leader able to defend his territory against the Taliban and as such remained as the main de facto political and military leader of the United Front recognized by members of all the different ethnic groups

From the Taliban conquest of Kabul in September 1996 until November 2001 the United Front controlled roughly 30% of Afghanistans population in provinces such as Badakhshan, Kapisa, Takhar and parts of Parwan, Kunar, Nuristan, Laghman, Samangan, Kunduz, Ghr and Bamyan

The Taliban with military support by Pakistan and financial support by Saudi Arabia, prepared for another major offensive against the capital Kabul, Massoud orders a full retreat from the city

The Taliban with military support by Pakistan and financial support by Saudi Arabia, prepared for another major offensive against the capital Kabul, Massoud orders a full retreat from the city

The Taliban seize Kabul and establish the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

The Taliban seize Kabul and establish the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

The Taliban seize Kabul and establish the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

A United Nations brokered peace agreement is reached between the Taliban and their main remaining foe, the Northern Alliance under Ahmed Shah Massoud

A United Nations brokered peace agreement is reached between the Taliban and their main remaining foe, the Northern Alliance under Ahmed Shah Massoud