<P> The Taliban began a resurgence due to several factors . At the end of 2014, the US and NATO combat mission ended and the withdrawal of most foreign forces from Afghanistan reduced the risk the Taliban faced of being bombed and raided . In June 2014, the Pakistani military's Operation Zarb - e-Azb, launched in the North Waziristan tribal area in June 2014, dislodged thousands of mainly Uzbek, Arab and Pakistani militants, who flooded into Afghanistan and swelled the Taliban's ranks . The group was further emboldened by the comparative lack of interest from the international community and the diversion of its attention to crisis in other parts of the world, such as Syria, Iraq and Ukraine . Afghan security forces also lack certain capabilities and equipment, especially air power and reconnaissance . The political infighting in the central government in Kabul and the apparent weakness in governance at different levels are also exploited by the Taliban . </P> <P> On 5 January, a suicide car bomber attacked the HQ of EUPOL Afghanistan in Kabul, killing 1 person and injuring 5 . The Taliban claimed responsibility . On 15 January, Afghan security officials arrested five men in Kabul in relation to their suspected involvement in the 2014 Peshawar school massacre in Pakistan . In mid-January 2015, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant established a branch in Afghanistan called Wilayah Khorasan and began recruiting fighters and clashing with the Taliban . However, an Afghan military officer stated that he believed the Afghan military could handle any threat that the group presented in the country . </P> <P> American forces have increased raids against "Islamist militants," moving beyond counter-terrorism missions . This is partially due to improved relations with the United States due to the Ghani presidency . Reasoning used for these raids include protecting American forces, which has been broadly interpreted . One raid, a joint raid by American and Afghan forces arrested six Taliban connected to the 2014 Peshawar school massacre . American Secretary of Defense Ash Carter traveled to Afghanistan in February 2015; during a period when it was discussed that the U.S. would slow down its withdrawal from Afghanistan . </P> <P> In February 2015, the headquarters element of the U.S. 7th Infantry Division began to deploy to Afghanistan . It will serve as the Resolute Support Mission's Train Advise Assist Command - South headquarters . It will be joined by 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and 101st Combat Aviation Brigade . </P>

Who was in control of afghanistan when the us and allied forces invaded it in 2001