1979 Soviet invasion

The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was when the Soviet Union sent troops into Afghanistan to support the communist government fighting off insurgents. These insurgents, called mujahideen, opposed the Soviet-backed regime and wanted to establish a government based on Islamic principles. The Soviets aimed to secure their influence in the region during the Cold War, but the invasion led to a prolonged, costly conflict that drew international condemnation and heightened tensions with the United States and other countries, who supported Afghan resistance. The invasion lasted until 1989, ending with Soviet withdrawal and significant consequences for both Afghanistan and global geopolitics.