Soviet-Afghan War

Soviet-Afghan War

Ten year conflict, from 1979 to 1989, between the invading Soviet army and rebel groups in Afghanistan.  The Soviet army was eventually forced to withdraw, after tribal militias waged a war of attrition over a period of years.  The local fighters, known as mujahideen or “holy warriors’, were supported by a number of anti-Soviet governments, including the United States.  Many present-day terrorist leaders learned the basics of combat, including how to use weapons and explosives, while fighting the Soviets.