Soviet Afghanistan Invasion and War

• What event occurred in April 1978 in Afghanistan?

  The director of Afghanistan was overthrown in a military coup by communist army officers.
• Who was the Afghan President from April 1978 until September 1979?

  Taraki
• What conflict arose after the establishment of the new communist government in Afghanistan?

  A civil war broke out between the new communist government and conservative tribes outside of Kabul.
• What was the situation of the communist government in Afghanistan by 1979?

  It looked like the communist government would be overthrown.
• Why did the Soviets fear Amin, despite him being a communist?

  They feared he was looking to ally himself with Pakistan, which was backed by the USA.
• What significant military action did the Soviets take between December 24-27, 1979?

  The Soviets flew 50,000 soldiers into Kabul and stormed the Presidential Palace, killing Amin.
• Who was made president after Amin was killed?

  Pro-Soviet Kamal
• What was called to fight the Soviets, and what were the soldiers known as?

  A holy war was called, and the soldiers were known as the mujahadeen (Soldiers of God).
• How did the Soviets find the situation in Afghanistan compared to their expectations?

  They found it more difficult to control than anticipated.
• How many Soviet soldiers were being killed per year in guerrilla attacks by 1982?

  Nearly 2000 Soviet soldiers.
• What was the total number of Soviet deaths in Afghanistan up to 1985?

  Roughly 8000.
• How did the US support the mujahadeen fighting the Soviets?

  They funded the mujahadeen via Pakistan and supplied stinger missiles.
• How many Soviet soldiers were in Afghanistan by 1985?

  302,000 Soviet soldiers.
• What was the estimated cost of the war for the Soviets and the Americans?

  The cost of the war peaked at roughly $8 billion a year for the Soviets, while the Americans estimated they spent $50 billion.
• What was Operation Cyclone?

  It was the American plan to fund the mujahadeen fighting the Soviets.
• How much did the US spend funding the mujahadeen?

  More than $20 billion.
• How much military aid did the US give to Pakistan between 1981-1987?

  $3.2 billion in military aid.
• How much did the US give the mujahadeen directly in 1987?

  $630 million.
• What was the Reagan Doctrine regarding funding groups fighting communists?

  It involved giving money to groups fighting communists, regardless of their background.
• How many men from the Middle East traveled to Afghanistan to fight against the Soviets?

  Around 30,000 men.
• What did the US deny regarding foreign fighters in Afghanistan?

  They denied that the foreign fighters received US funding via Pakistan.
• Who was Osama Bin Laden?

  He was the son of a Saudi construction billionaire who went to fight in 1979.
• How many stinger missiles did the US give to the mujahadeen in 1986?

  Somewhere between 500-200 stinger missiles.
• What was the cost of each stinger missile?

  $38,000.
• How many Soviet helicopters were shot down by the mujahadeen between 1986-1989?

  87 Soviet helicopters.
• What did the Soviets claim when they started to withdraw from Afghanistan in 1987?

  They claimed their mission was a success and that the pro-Soviet Afghan government could defend itself.
• When did the last Soviet troops leave Afghanistan?

  In 1989.
• How much did the US give the mujahadeen as late as 1991?

  $200 million.
• How many Soviet soldiers were killed, straining the Soviet economy?

  14,000 Soviet soldiers.
• What was the significance of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

  • Marked the beginning of a prolonged conflict.
  • Led to the rise of the mujahadeen.
  • Influenced US foreign policy and the Reagan Doctrine.
  • Contributed to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.
• What were the main military strategies employed by the Soviets and the mujahadeen during the war?

  Soviet Strategies:

  • Conventional military tactics
  • Air superiority

  
  

  Mujahadeen Strategies:

  • Guerrilla warfare
  • Use of stinger missiles
  • Local support and knowledge
• What was the international response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

  • US support for the mujahadeen.
  • Economic sanctions against the Soviet Union.
  • Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
  • Increased military presence in the region by various countries.