The Soviet-Afghan War

The Soviet–Afghan War, also known as the Soviet–Afghan Conflict, was a nine-year conflict involving the Soviet Union, supporting the government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan against the indigenous Afghan Mujahideen, including elements of the Afghan National Liberation Front (ANLF) and the Islamic Unity of Afghanistan Mujahideen (IUAM).

Why did the Soviets Invade Afghanistan?

Background:

• In 1978, a communist faction within the Afghan military, led by Nur Muhammad Taraki, overthrew the government of President Mohammad Daoud Khan in a bloody coup.

• Taraki’s government, known as the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (DRA), instituted radical social reforms that alienated many Afghans and led to a widespread rebellion.

• By 1979, the DRA was on the verge of collapse, and the Soviet Union intervened on its behalf.

Soviet Intervention:

• The Soviet Union sent troops and military advisors to Afghanistan in 1979, initially to support Taraki’s government.

• However, Taraki was soon overthrown by Hafizullah Amin, who was seen as more hostile to the Soviets.

• In response, the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in December 1979 and installed Babrak Karmal as the new leader of the DRA.

Course of the War (from December 1979 to February 1989):

• The Soviets deployed approximately 100,000 troops in Afghanistan at the peak of their involvement.

• The Mujahideen, supported by various countries, including the United States, fought a guerrilla war against the Soviet forces and the Afghan government.

Withdrawal of Soviet Forces:

The Soviet Union began to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan in 1988, and the withdrawal was completed in February 1989, leaving the DRA to fend for itself.

Aftermath:

• The Soviet-Afghan War had a profound impact on both Afghanistan and the Soviet Union.

• The war led to the collapse of the DRA and the establishment of an Islamic government in Afghanistan.

• The war also contributed to the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Legacy:

• The Soviet-Afghan War is often considered one of the most significant conflicts of the Cold War.

• The war had a lasting impact on Afghanistan, leading to the rise of the Taliban and the ongoing instability in the country.

• The war also had a significant impact on the Soviet Union, contributing to its economic and political decline.