Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was a 10-year war fought between the Soviet Army and rebels in Afghanistan. The war is generally held to have started December 24, 1979. Soviet troops ultimately withdrew from the area between May 15, 1988 and February 2, 1989. The Soviet Union officially announced that all of its troops had left Afghanistan on February 15, 1989.

April 1978 coup

Mohammad Zahir Shah, succeeded to the throne and reigned from 1933 to 1973. Zahir's cousin, Mohammad Daoud, served as Prime Minister from 1953 to 1963. The growth of the communist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), with close ties to the Soviet Union, was credited significant growth in these years. In 1967 the PDPA split into two rival factions, the Khalq (Masses) faction headed by Nur Muhammad Taraki and Hafizullah Amin and the Parcham (Banner) faction led by Babrak Karmal.

Related Topics:
Mohammad Zahir Shah - 1933 - 1973 - Mohammad Daoud - Prime Minister - 1953 - 1963 - Communist - People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan - Nur Muhammad Taraki - Hafizullah Amin - Babrak Karmal

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Former Prime Minister Daoud seized power in a military coup on July 17, 1973 through charges of corruption and poor economic conditions. Daoud put an end to the monarchy. His attempts at economic and social reforms failed. Seeking to exploit mounting popular disaffection, the PDPA reunified with Moscow's support.

Related Topics:
Coup - July 17 - Corruption

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On April 27, 1978 the PDPA overthrew and murdered Daoud and most of his family. Nur Muhammad Taraki, Secretary General of the PDPA, became President of the Revolutionary Council and Prime Minister of the newly established Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.

Related Topics:
April 27 - 1978

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