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The Soviet War in Afghanistan, also known as the Soviet-Afghan War, took place from 1979 to 1989. It was a conflict between the Soviet Union and Afghan resistance groups known as the Mujahideen. Here is a summary of the key aspects of the war:
1. Soviet Invasion: The war began when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan on December 24, 1979, to support the communist government that was facing resistance from various Afghan rebel groups. The invasion was prompted by concerns about the stability of the communist regime and the potential spread of Islamic fundamentalism.
2. Objectives: The Soviet Union aimed to establish a pro-Soviet government and maintain influence in Afghanistan. They sought to suppress the Mujahideen insurgency and stabilize the country under a socialist regime.
3. Mujahideen Resistance: The Mujahideen, a loosely allied group of rebel factions, fought against the Soviet occupation. They received significant support from the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, who saw the conflict as an opportunity to counter Soviet influence.
4. Guerrilla Warfare: The Mujahideen employed guerrilla warfare tactics, utilizing hit-and-run attacks, ambushes, and sabotage. They received training, weapons, and financial support from foreign sources, including the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
5. Soviet Occupation and Tactics: The Soviet forces faced significant challenges. The rugged terrain and the resilience of the Mujahideen made it difficult for them to gain control of the countryside. The Soviets implemented a strategy of "scorched earth," targeting villages suspected of supporting the rebels and displacing large segments of the rural population.
6. Humanitarian Crisis: The war resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. Millions of Afghans were displaced from their homes, and civilian casualties were high. The Soviet forces were accused of committing widespread human rights abuses, including torture and indiscriminate bombings.
7. International Involvement: The war had a significant impact on international relations. The United States, along with other Western and Arab countries, provided substantial military and financial aid to the Mujahideen, viewing the conflict as part of the larger Cold War struggle against communism.
8. Soviet Withdrawal: The Soviet Union faced mounting casualties and economic strain, leading to a decision to withdraw its forces. The last Soviet troops left Afghanistan on February 15, 1989, marking the end of the war.
9. Aftermath: The withdrawal of Soviet forces did not bring stability to Afghanistan. The country descended into a period of civil war, with various Mujahideen factions vying for power. The power vacuum eventually led to the rise of the Taliban and the subsequent U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
The Soviet War in Afghanistan had significant consequences for Afghanistan and the wider region, shaping geopolitics and contributing to the rise of militant Islamist groups. It remains a complex and controversial chapter in history, marked by extensive human suffering and political turmoil.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan began on 24 December 1979. Within days, Soviet troops had been air-dropped into Afghan cities, heavy artillery had breached the border, and the KGB had poisoned the Afghan president and his ministers. The invasion sparked a bloody, nine-year civil war.
