Module 2: Mujahedeen and Soviets 

Mujahedeen and Soviets

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 was initiated in response to the instability of the Amin government, led by Hafizullah Amin.  Amin was the socialist, modernizing leader of Afghanistan. His government's attempts to modernize Afghanistan, including expanding women's rights and land redistribution, alienated many reactionaries and tribal communities.  The US, eager to bring down the Amin government due to its friendliness with the Soviet Union, began to provide weapons and money to Admin's opponents.  

As his government faltered under increasing attacks by insurgent groups, Amin requested Soviet assistance to defeat the US-backed rebels. The Soviet initially balked at the idea, but were eventually convinced to send troops into Afghanistan.

The Soviet Union deployed the Red Army to secure Kabul and other strategic locations, aiming to crush the insurgency led by the Mujahedeen, a coalition of tribal and Islamist groups backed with US money, weapons, and training. These fighters, deeply opposed to both socialism and modernization, waged a relentless guerrilla war. The conflict soon escalated into a Cold War proxy battle, as the United States and its allies, particularly Pakistan, supporting the Mujahedeen. Through CIA support under b, the Mujahedeen received funding, weapons, and training to combat the Soviets. A key component of this aid was the supply of rocket launchers, including the iconic Stinger missiles, which allowed the Mujahedeen to effectively target Soviet helicopters and aircraft, killing many Soviet soldiers.

Despite their superior military power, the Soviets faced a grueling and protracted conflict. The rugged terrain of Afghanistan and the decentralized nature of the Mujahedeen’s resistance made it nearly impossible to secure lasting control outside of the cities. The war devastated Afghanistan, with countless civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and millions displaced as refugees. Unable to suppress the insurgency and facing mounting international pressure and domestic discontent, the Soviets began withdrawing their forces in 1988, completing the pullout in 1989.