Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan occurred in December 1979 when the USSR deployed troops to support the communist government there, which was facing resistance from various rebel groups. The Soviets aimed to secure their southern border and expand their influence in the region. The conflict involved intense guerrilla warfare, with Afghan fighters receiving support from countries like the United States, Pakistan, and others, who opposed Soviet expansion during the Cold War. It lasted for about a decade, causing significant destruction and loss of life, and concluded with the Soviet withdrawal in 1989.