
1978 Afghan coup
The 1978 Afghan coup, known as the Saur Revolution, marked a significant shift in Afghanistan's political landscape. On April 27, the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), a communist party, overthrew the government of President Mohammed Daoud Khan. The coup was relatively swift, with the PDPA gaining control of Kabul and executing Daoud. The revolution was driven by widespread discontent over economic issues and social reforms. This event led to increased tensions with the West and set the stage for Soviet intervention in 1979, ultimately contributing to decades of conflict in Afghanistan.