Afghanistan (1979-1989)
The Soviet war in Afghanistan lasted nine years from December 1979 to February 1989. Part of the Cold War, it was fought between Soviet-led Afghan forces against multi-national insurgent groups called the Mujahideen, mostly composed of two alliances. The first phase of the war began with the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan and their first battles with various opposition groups. Soviet troops entered Afghanistan along two ground routes and one air corridor, taking control of the major urban centers, military bases and more. However, the presence of Soviet troops did not have the desired effect of pacifying the country.