Editing Operation Cyclone (section)

==Consequences==
===Rise of Militant Islamism===
The influx of arms and funds empowered radical factions like Hekmatyar’s Hezb-e-Islami, which later fueled Afghanistan’s civil war (1989–1996) and the rise of the Taliban. Foreign fighters, including Osama bin Laden, who joined the jihad with Saudi backing, formed al-Qaeda, which later turned against the U.S., culminating in the 9/11 attacks.
===Weapons Proliferation===
U.S.-supplied weapons, particularly Stinger missiles, remained in Afghanistan post-war, some ending up in the hands of insurgents or black-market dealers. The CIA later initiated a buyback program to recover Stingers, with limited success.
===Drug Trade===
The war period saw a surge in Afghanistan’s opium production, with some mujahideen factions, including Hekmatyar’s, allegedly involved in drug trafficking to fund operations. While not a direct aim of Cyclone, the CIA’s focus on anti-Soviet goals led to limited oversight of these activities, contributing to the global heroin trade.