Describe the role of the Soviet Union in the Afghan War.

The Soviet Union played a significant role in the Afghan War, which lasted from 1979 to 1989. The Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan to support the communist government that was facing opposition from various rebel groups known as the Mujahideen. The Soviet Union aimed to maintain a pro-Soviet regime in Afghanistan and prevent the spread of Islamic fundamentalism to neighboring countries.

The Soviet Union deployed a large number of troops, estimated to be around 100,000, to Afghanistan. They provided military training, equipment, and financial aid to the Afghan government forces. The Soviet Union also conducted airstrikes and ground operations against the Mujahideen.

However, the Soviet Union faced significant challenges in Afghanistan. The Mujahideen, supported by various countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, used guerrilla warfare tactics and received advanced weaponry. The Soviet Union struggled to gain control over the rural areas and faced strong resistance from the Afghan population.

The Afghan War proved to be a costly and protracted conflict for the Soviet Union. It faced international condemnation for its actions, and the war became increasingly unpopular among the Soviet population. The Soviet Union eventually withdrew its forces from Afghanistan in 1989, leaving behind a power vacuum that led to further instability and the rise of the Taliban. The Afghan War is often considered one of the contributing factors to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.