ISAFs

ISAFs is a term sometimes used to refer to the International Security Assistance Force, a NATO-led multinational security mission in Afghanistan established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1386 in December 2001. In common usage, ISAFs can denote the mission as a whole or the multiple contributing contingents and phases that operated under its umbrella. Its core objective was to help Afghanistan provide security, stabilize the country, and develop governance and security institutions until Afghan forces could stand on their own.

ISAF's mandate covered most of Afghanistan and evolved from a small Kabul-based operation to a large, field-level mission with personnel from more than 50 contributing nations. At its height, ISAF reportedly comprised around 130,000 military personnel and civilians under its command. The force worked alongside Afghan security forces, supported provincial reconstruction teams, and conducted training, mentoring, and development activities to bolster rule of law, elections, and civilian administration.

Leadership rotated among ISAF contributing nations and was commanded by NATO's Allied Command Operations; special operations and coalition partners contributed to the overall mission. The operation faced an insurgency and civilian casualties, but also contributed to the expansion of Afghan security forces and local governance.

In 2014, ISAF's combat mission ended and responsibility for security began transitioning to Afghan authorities. In 2015 a follow-on mission, Resolute Support, focused on training, advising, and assisting Afghan forces rather than direct combat. ISAF is commonly referenced in historical contexts to describe the broader multinational stabilization effort in Afghanistan during that period.

See also: Resolute Support Mission, Afghanistan War, NATO.