northern alliance
Proper noun A multiethnic military and political coalition in Afghanistan, primarily composed of ethnic Tajik, Uzbek, and Hazara forces, which opposed the Taliban regime. It was formally known as the United Islamic Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan.
The term "Northern Alliance" is used as a singular proper noun to refer to the specific anti-Taliban coalition that was prominent from the mid-1990s until 2001. * Following the Taliban's capture of Kabul in 1996, the Northern Alliance controlled a small portion of northern Afghanistan. * The Northern Alliance was a key ally of the United States during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan.
- The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe entities related to the alliance.
- Northern Alliance forces advanced toward the capital.
- The diplomat held talks with a Northern Alliance commander.
- United Islamic Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan: The formal name of the Northern Alliance.
- Anti-Taliban alliance: A descriptive term for the coalition.
- United Front
- Afghan opposition alliance
The "Northern Alliance" specifically refers to the historical coalition that existed prior to and during the 2001 U.S.-led intervention. While other groups have opposed the Taliban, this term is not generically applied to all such opposition.
- a multiethnic alliance in Afghanistan who practice a moderate form of Islam and are united in their opposition to the Taliban