Soviet war in Afghanistan

Afghanistan under Soviet influence.
Prevent the strengthening of Islamic fundamentalism

in the region.

the communist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) takeover of

political power from the government of Afghanistan on 27-28 April 1978. Mohammed Daud (previous president) were arrested and killed.

Hafezullah Amin took power in Afghanistan. Taraki was arrested and

killed.

the codename of an operation on 27 December 1979 in

which Soviet Special Forces stormed the Tajbeg Palace in Afghanistan and killed Afghan President Hafizullah Amin and his 100–150 personal guards. His 11-year-old son died due to shrapnel wounds. The Soviets installed Babrak Karmal as Amins successor. Grigoriy Boyarinov (the commander of operation) was killed by afghans.

Eight (SHIA)
Harakat i-Islami
Afghan Hezbollah
Nasr Party (IVOA)
COIRGA
Shura Party
IRM
UOIF
Raad Party

resolution which condemned the Soviet intervention and demanded "the immediate,

urgent and unconditional withdrawal of Soviet troops" from the Muslim nation of Afghanistan. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution protesting the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan by a vote of 104–18

two ground routes and one air corridor, quickly taking control

of the major urban centers, military bases and strategic installations. However, the presence of Soviet troops did not have the desired effect of pacifying the country.

A fighter in Kunar uses a communications receiver

developed into a new pattern: the Soviets occupied the cities

and main axis of communication, while the mujahideen, (which the Soviet Army soldiers called 'Dushman,' meaning 'enemy') divided into small groups, waged a guerrilla war. Almost 80 percent of the country escaped government control

Mujahideen with two captured artillery field guns

to Moscow's high military costs and strained international relations.

Afghanistan's resistance

movement was born in chaos, spread and triumphed chaotically, and did not find a way to govern differently. Virtually all of its war was waged locally by regional warlords. As warfare became more sophisticated, outside support and regional coordination grew. Even so, the basic units of mujahideen organization and action continued to reflect the highly segmented nature of Afghan society

A Soviet Spetsnaz (special operations) group prepares for a mission in Afghanistan

the Soviet air force was able to control the skies

and fly sorties at will. With two recently introduced combat aircraft the Su-25 ground-attack jet and the Mi-24 attack helicopter the Soviets had aircraft that were impervious to Mujahideen attacks, as both aircraft were armored to withstand even large calibre machine gun fire. This meant that whenever the Soviet army would find itself in trouble, all it needed was to call air support and either the SU 25 or Mi 24 would arrive shortly to disperse any marauding Mujahideen units

Afghans shot down helicopter

was to transfer the burden of fighting the mujahideen to

the Afghan armed forces, with the aim of preparing them to operate without Soviet help. During this phase, the Soviet contingent was restricted to supporting the DRA forces by providing artillery, air support and technical assistance, though some large-scale operations were still carried out by Soviet troops.

Soviet soldier in Afghanistan

ease cold war tensions by signing the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces

Treaty in 1987 with the U.S. and withdrawing the troops from Afghanistan whose presence had garnered so much international condemnation. In addition, he called the Afghan war : «THE VIETNAM WAR OF USSR»

Soviet troops withdrawing from Afghanistan in 1988

courageous Afghan freedom fighters battle modern arsenals with simple hand-held

weapons is an inspiration to those who love freedom.

Reagan with Mujaheeds leaders

from 850,000 to 1,500,000. 5–10 million Afghans fled to Pakistan

and Iran, 1/3 of the prewar population of the country, and another 2 million were displaced within the country. In the 1980s, half of all refugees in the world were Afghan

Three mujahideen in Asmar, 1985.