Resolute Support Mission

Resolute Support Mission
Kopiersperre (talk) · Public domain · source
Name	Resolute Support Mission
Partof	the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Date	1 January 2015 – 12 July 2021
Place	Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Result	Mission concluded; withdrawal of NATO forces
Combatant1	Resolute Support:, NATO and partner nations, Supported:, Afghan National Defense and Security Forces
Combatant2	Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Islamic State – Khorasan Province

Resolute Support Mission. It was a NATO-led, non-combat mission established to train, advise, and assist the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces following the conclusion of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission. Authorized by the United Nations Security Council, the mission represented a transition to a supporting role for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan government. Its operational lifespan spanned from January 2015 until its termination coincided with the final withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces in July 2021.

Background and establishment

The mission was conceived as the successor to the International Security Assistance Force, which concluded its combat role at the end of 2014 after over a decade of major operations. This transition was formalized through the Sofia Summit and subsequent agreements, including the U.S.–Afghanistan Bilateral Security Agreement. Key political figures like Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah supported the new mission framework. The legal basis was provided by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189, which endorsed the ongoing support for Afghan institutions. The establishment marked a strategic shift from direct combat to enabling local forces, a model influenced by previous efforts in Iraq and experiences from the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

Mission and objectives

Its core mandate focused on providing training, advice, and assistance to the Ministry of Defense (Afghanistan) and the Ministry of Interior Affairs (Afghanistan). Objectives included developing sustainable security institutions, supporting the Afghan Air Force, and enhancing leadership within the Afghan National Army. The mission also aimed to bolster capabilities in critical areas like logistics, intelligence, and counter-IED operations. Support extended to key Afghan security entities such as the Afghan National Police and the National Directorate of Security. These efforts were designed to promote long-term stability and professionalization under the Kabul government's authority.

Structure and participating nations

Headquartered at NATO Headquarters in Afghanistan within the Kabul International Airport complex, the mission was led by a U.S. Army general serving as Commander. The structure included regional commands, such as those in Kandahar and Mazar-i-Sharif, and advisory teams embedded with Afghan corps. Key contributing nations beyond the United States included Germany, which led the Regional Command North, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Turkey, responsible for security at Hamid Karzai International Airport. Other significant participants were Georgia, Poland, and Romania, with support from partner nations like Australia and Jordan. The North Atlantic Council provided overall political oversight for the coalition's activities.

Key operations and activities

While non-combat in design, personnel often accompanied Afghan National Army units on operations, providing real-time advice in battles against the Taliban and Islamic State – Khorasan Province. Activities included critical air support coordination via the Afghan Air Force and specialized training for elite units like the Afghan Special Security Forces. Advisory efforts targeted major institutions including the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command and the Afghan National Civil Order Police. The mission also supported strategic planning for major offensives in regions like Helmand Province and Kunduz Province, and coordinated with entities such as U.S. Central Command and Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan.

Transition and conclusion

The mission's end was precipitated by the Doha Agreement (2020) between the United States and the Taliban, which set conditions for a full withdrawal. NATO formally decided to terminate the mission following the 2021 NATO Summit in Brussels. The subsequent Withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan (2020–2021) led to the final evacuation of personnel from Kabul International Airport and the handover of Bagram Airfield. Its conclusion in July 2021 preceded the Fall of Kabul (2021) and the collapse of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The aftermath saw the rapid takeover by the Taliban and the end of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan insurgency.

Category:NATO operations Category:War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Category:Military operations involving the United States Category:2010s in Afghanistan Category:2020s in Afghanistan