Historical Events in Afghanistan, Wars and Conflicts

Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979-1989)

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, also known as the Soviet–Afghan War, was a significant conflict that lasted from December 1979…

By Staff , in Historical Events in Afghanistan Wars and Conflicts , at August 7, 2024 Tags: 1979, afghanistan, soviet union, ussr

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The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, also known as the Soviet–Afghan War, was a significant conflict that lasted from December 1979 to February 1989. The invasion had profound effects on Afghanistan, the Soviet Union, and international relations during the Cold War.

Background
Afghan Political Instability:
Afghanistan had experienced significant political instability throughout the 1970s. In 1973, Mohammed Daoud Khan overthrew King Zahir Shah in a coup, ending the monarchy and establishing a republic.
In 1978, the communist People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) seized power in a coup known as the Saur Revolution. The new government, led by Nur Muhammad Taraki, implemented radical socialist reforms and aligned itself closely with the Soviet Union.
Internal Strife and PDPA Policies:
The PDPA’s policies, including land reforms and suppression of political opposition, were deeply unpopular, particularly among Afghanistan’s rural and traditional communities. This led to widespread unrest and rebellion.
Infighting within the PDPA led to a series of leadership changes, with Taraki being ousted and killed by his deputy, Hafizullah Amin, in 1979. Amin’s rule was marked by brutal repression and further instability.

The Invasion
Soviet Decision to Invade:
The Soviet Union, under Leonid Brezhnev, decided to intervene in Afghanistan to support the embattled communist government and prevent the country from falling into the hands of Islamist insurgents and possibly into the Western sphere of influence.
On December 24, 1979, the Soviet military launched an invasion of Afghanistan. Within days, they captured Kabul, overthrew and executed Amin, and installed Babrak Karmal as the new leader of the PDPA.
Military Operations:
The initial Soviet invasion force consisted of around 30,000 troops, which eventually grew to over 100,000. The Soviets expected a quick stabilization of the PDPA regime but were soon drawn into a protracted and brutal conflict.
The Soviet military faced fierce resistance from the Mujahideen, a coalition of Afghan guerrilla fighters motivated by nationalism and religious fervor. The Mujahideen received extensive support from the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, including financial aid, weapons, and training.

The War
Guerrilla Warfare:
The Mujahideen employed guerrilla tactics, leveraging Afghanistan’s rugged terrain to conduct ambushes, raids, and hit-and-run attacks against Soviet forces. They targeted supply lines, military convoys, and isolated outposts.
The Soviet military responded with heavy bombardments, airstrikes, and sweeps of suspected Mujahideen strongholds. Despite superior firepower, the Soviets struggled to control the countryside and faced significant casualties.
Humanitarian Impact:
The war had a devastating impact on Afghanistan’s civilian population. Estimates of Afghan civilian casualties range from hundreds of thousands to over a million. Millions of Afghans were displaced, with many fleeing to refugee camps in Pakistan and Iran.
The conflict also led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, economic hardship, and the collapse of social services.

International Response
Cold War Context:
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan intensified Cold War tensions. The United States and its allies viewed the invasion as an act of aggression and a threat to regional stability.
In response, the U.S. launched Operation Cyclone, one of the longest and most expensive covert CIA operations, which provided extensive support to the Mujahideen. This included Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, which significantly enhanced the Mujahideen’s ability to challenge Soviet air superiority.
Boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics:
The United States led a boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow, joined by over 60 countries, in protest against the Soviet invasion. This marked a significant moment in the Cold War’s ideological and political battle.

Withdrawal and Aftermath
Soviet Withdrawal:
By the mid-1980s, the Soviet Union, under new leadership from Mikhail Gorbachev, recognized that the war was unwinnable and increasingly unpopular at home and internationally. Gorbachev initiated a policy of “new thinking” in foreign affairs, which included seeking an end to the conflict in Afghanistan.
The Geneva Accords were signed in 1988, laying the groundwork for Soviet withdrawal. The last Soviet troops left Afghanistan on February 15, 1989.
Post-War Afghanistan:
Despite the Soviet withdrawal, Afghanistan continued to experience civil conflict. The PDPA government, led by President Mohammad Najibullah, managed to hold power for a few years but eventually fell to the Mujahideen in 1992.
The collapse of the PDPA government led to further fragmentation and infighting among Mujahideen factions, setting the stage for the rise of the Taliban in the mid-1990s.
Impact on the Soviet Union:
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan is often referred to as the Soviet Union’s “Vietnam,” reflecting its draining effect on Soviet resources and morale. The war contributed to the internal pressures and economic difficulties that eventually led to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Legacy
Geopolitical Impact:
The Soviet–Afghan War had a lasting impact on global geopolitics, shaping the post-Cold War landscape. It influenced U.S. foreign policy and military strategy, as well as relations with the Muslim world.
The war also played a role in the emergence of extremist groups, including Al-Qaeda, as some Mujahideen fighters later turned their attention to global jihad.
Human Cost:
The human cost of the war was immense, with long-term effects on Afghanistan’s development, stability, and social fabric. The country remains affected by the legacy of conflict, including ongoing violence and instability.