Democratic Republic of Afghanistan

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan on December 24, 1979, beginning a nine-year military intervention that would ultimately prove disastrous for the Soviet Union.

The Road to Invasion

The Soviet Union had long been interested in Afghanistan, a strategically located country bordering the Soviet Union's Central Asian republics. In the early 1970s, the Soviet Union began providing military and economic aid to the Afghan government, hoping to gain influence in the country.

In 1973, a military coup led by Mohammad Daoud Khan overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. Daoud Khan initially pursued a pro-Soviet policy, but he soon began to distance himself from the Soviet Union. In 1978, a group of communist rebels, supported by the Soviet Union, overthrew Daoud Khan and established the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (DRA).

The Soviet Invasion

The DRA government was immediately faced with a rebellion by anti-communist guerrillas, known as the mujahideen. The mujahideen were supported by Pakistan, the United States, and other countries.

In December 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, ostensibly to support the DRA government. The Soviet Union deployed over 100,000 troops to Afghanistan, and they quickly gained control of major cities and towns.

The Soviet Occupation

The Soviet occupation of Afghanistan lasted for nine years. During that time, the Soviet Union fought a bloody war against the mujahideen. The war caused widespread death and destruction in Afghanistan, and it also had a negative impact on the Soviet Union's international reputation.

The Soviet Withdrawal

In 1988, the Soviet Union began to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. The withdrawal was completed in 1989. The Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan was a major victory for the mujahideen, and it also marked a turning point in the Cold War.

The Aftermath of the Soviet Invasion

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan had a profound impact on Afghanistan and the world. The war caused widespread death and destruction in Afghanistan, and it also had a negative impact on the Soviet Union's international reputation. The withdrawal of the Soviet Union from Afghanistan led to the collapse of the DRA government and the establishment of a new Islamic government. Afghanistan has been embroiled in conflict ever since.

Conclusion

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was a major turning point in the Cold War. The war caused widespread death and destruction in Afghanistan, and it also had a negative impact on the Soviet Union's international reputation. The withdrawal of the Soviet Union from Afghanistan led to the collapse of the DRA government and the establishment of a new Islamic government. Afghanistan has been embroiled in conflict ever since.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan?

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to support the DRA government, which was facing a rebellion by anti-communist guerrillas.

2. How long did the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan last?

The Soviet occupation of Afghanistan lasted for nine years, from 1979 to 1989.

3. How many Soviet troops were deployed to Afghanistan?

The Soviet Union deployed over 100,000 troops to Afghanistan.

4. What was the impact of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan caused widespread death and destruction in Afghanistan, and it also had a negative impact on the Soviet Union's international reputation.

5. What is the legacy of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

The legacy of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan is a complex one. The war had a lasting impact on Afghanistan, and it also played a role in the collapse of the Soviet Union.