Soviet intervention in Afghanistan

The Soviet intervention in Afghanistan began in December 1979 when the Soviet Union deployed troops to support the communist government facing a rebellion from various Afghan groups, including Islamist fighters. The Soviet aim was to maintain influence in the region and stabilize the government. This led to a lengthy and brutal conflict as Afghan resistance fighters, known as the Mujahideen, received support from the United States and other countries. The war lasted nearly a decade, resulted in significant casualties, and ultimately contributed to the Soviet Union's decline, marking a critical moment in Cold War geopolitics.