The Taliban is the Islamic militant group that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 until being toppled by US forces. The group sheltered Osama bin Laden as he planned the 9/11 US attacks. (Image: News18 Creative)
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The Taliban emerged in early 1900s in Pashtun areas straddling Pakistan and Afghanistan, spread to a large part of south-western Afghanistan. (Image: News18 Creative)
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The Taliban appeared on the scene following the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Only three countries recognized the Taliban when they were in power in Afghanistan: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Pakistan. (Image: News18 Creative)
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Supreme leaders who run the militant group. (Image: News18 Creative)
Afghans fear the return of extremist rule under the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia. Grim developments are already being reported in parts of Afghanistan. (Image: News18 Creative)
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The Taliban army is bigger than armies of many countries. Strength of the Taliban is up to 85,000 (an unknown number of ghost soldiers) full times fighters. (Image: News18 Creative)
