backgroundAfghanistan in 1954 looked for Soviet support after the Us created military ties with Pakistan. In April 1978 the Afghan Communist party seized power in a coup and killed their prime minister leaving them open for a foreign attack. Soviet Union entered Afghanistan in 1979 to establish trade with them.
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MujahideenThe Mujahideen are an Islamic group in Afghanistan who were anti-communist so they didn't want the Soviets there . They were the main threat to the Soviets and fought against them throughout the war.
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The WarThis war lasted from December 1979 to February 1989 and was a part of the Cold War. In April 1979 the Afghan government asked for the USSR to bring in 15 to 20 helicopters with a full crew to Afghanistan. After many deals with Afghanistan on December 25th USSR started to send troops to stay in Afghanistan. The Soviet Union was told by the Afghanistan government to destroy the rebellion but that just furthered the rebellions anger. the Soviet's plan was to take over main positions of communication but the Mujahideen used guerrilla tactics to stay away from the Soviet troops. Afghan resistance movement got help by the United State, Pakistan,Egypt , and China. The US in specific assisted them because they saw the Soviets invasion of Afghanistan as a part of the Cold War and the struggle against Communism.
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AftermathIn April 1985 the Soviet union started the withdrawal of troops by putting the responsibility on the Afghan government. After Soviet Union left Afghanistan went into a Civil War which is still going on at present day.
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