Table of Contents
Who fought a war in Afghanistan from 1979 1989?
The Soviet Union
The Soviet Union intervened in support of the Afghan communist government in its conflict with anti-communist Muslim guerrillas during the Afghan War (1978–92) and remained in Afghanistan until mid-February 1989.
What weapon was important in defeating the Soviets in Afghanistan?
The main weapons of the Mujahideen were the AK-47 (though the old British . 303 inch Enfield, with its long range and power to penetrate Soviet flak jackets had its adherents), PK light machine guns and the RPG-7 anti-tank grenade launcher.
How did the Soviet-Afghan war impact Afghanistan?
In the brutal nine-year conflict, an estimated one million civilians were killed, as well as 90,000 Mujahideen fighters and 18,000 Afghan troops. The country was left in ruins. Several million Afghans had either fled to Pakistan for refuge or had become internal refugees.
What weapons were used in the Soviet Afghan war?
Small arms
| Weapon | Type | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Sten | Submachine gun | United Kingdom |
| Heckler & Koch MP5 | Submachine gun | Germany |
| AK-47 | Assault rifle | Soviet Union |
| AKS-47 | Assault rifle | Soviet Union |
What were the goals of the Mujahideen?
The militants of the Afghan mujahideen were recruited and organized immediately after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, initially from the regular Afghan population and defectors from the Afghan military, with the aim of waging an armed struggle against both the communist government of the People’s …
Who were the Mujahideen supported by?
The Mujahideen were variously backed primarily by the United States, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, and the United Kingdom; the conflict was a Cold War-era proxy war. Between 562,000 and 2,000,000 Afghans were killed and millions more fled the country as refugees, mostly to Pakistan and Iran.