What role did Central Intelligence Agency officers play in Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks?

Following the September 11 attacks, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played a pivotal role in the U.S.-led campaign in Afghanistan. On September 26, 2001, a CIA team known as "Jawbreaker" arrived in the country to initiate a strategy for overthrowing the Taliban regime by partnering with anti-Taliban forces, such as the Northern Alliance.1

CIA officers provided arms, equipment, and advice to these allies and helped coordinate targeting for the subsequent air campaign. Furthermore, the agency engaged in a large-scale "kill or capture" campaign against al-Qaeda operatives. This effort included:12

• Intelligence and Targeting: CIA paramilitary officers collected information and identified military targets to support U.S. attacks.2
• Lethal Operations: The agency utilized missile strikes via drones and directed special operations forces, such as the 2011 mission that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.2
• Detention and Interrogation: The CIA established a network of secret "black sites" where suspects were subjected to "enhanced interrogation techniques," including waterboarding and other methods that constituted torture under international law, as well as extraordinary rendition.2