The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was a NATO-led mission established in 2001 to provide security and stability in Afghanistan. Its primary goal was to assist the Afghan government in maintaining order and combating terrorism, particularly against the Taliban and other extremist groups. ISAF operated under a United Nations mandate and involved troops from various countries, working together to train the Afghan National Security Forces. The mission officially ended in December 2014, transitioning responsibilities to Afghan forces while continuing to support them through training and advisory roles.