The Taliban overran the Afghan city of Kunduz earlier this week. This comes just a few months after a new leader took over the Taliban and a year after President Ashraf Ghani took power of the Afghan government.
Kunduz is a trading hub that rival groups have often fought over, and which is often beyond the control of the government in Kabul. Lola Cecchinel, an analyst for ATR Consulting, explains its history.
The U.S. said coalition forces are in the country in a noncombat role and the strikes were ordered in self-defense. The attacks come as the Taliban have made significant gains in the country.
The U.S. launched an airstrike in Afghanistan on Tuesday, one day after Taliban forces overtook the city of Kunduz — the first time the Taliban has captured a provincial capital since 2001.
Taliban fighters stormed the northern Afghan city of Kunduz, marking the first time the group has captured a city since it was ousted in 2001. Journalist Mujib Mashal talks about the Taliban takeover.