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Who were the mujahideen?

The mujahideen were Afghan fighters who stood up against the Soviet Union when its army invaded in 1979. Their name translates to those who struggle or holy warriors. They were not one single army, but many different groups of people from tribes across the country who united to protect their homes.

How did the mujahideen fight the Soviet army?

They used smart fighting tricks called guerrilla tactics. Because they knew the rugged mountains perfectly, they could set up quick ambushes and hide in tunnels or secret bases. This made it very hard for the powerful Soviet army to find or trap them.

What weapons did the mujahideen use?

At first, they used common rifles like the AK-47. In 1986, the United States sent them special shoulder-fired missiles called Stingers. These powerful weapons allowed the fighters to shoot down Soviet helicopters and planes, which changed the way the war was fought.

Which countries helped the mujahideen?

Many nations around the world sent money and weapons to support the mujahideen. The United States, Saudi Arabia, China, and Pakistan worked together to supply the fighters. Most of these supplies were sent through Pakistan before moving across the border into Afghanistan.

What happened to the mujahideen after the war?

The Soviet army finally left Afghanistan in 1989 after a long and costly struggle. Sadly, peace did not come to the country. The different groups that had fought the Soviets began to fight against each other, which led to a new and difficult civil war.

Mujahideen | Library | 10 Second War Stories

When the Soviet army entered Afghanistan in 1979, fighters from across the country rose up against it. They called themselves mujahideen, which means 'those who struggle.' They were not one army, but many groups from different tribes and regions.

The mujahideen fought with guerrilla tactics. They ambushed convoys in mountain passes, attacked airfields at night, and used hidden bases dug into the mountains. Soviet planes and helicopters struggled to find them.

Outside countries sent weapons and money, mostly through Pakistan. In 1986, the mujahideen received Stinger missiles that could shoot down aircraft. The war grew too costly for the Soviet Union, and its army left in 1989.

The mujahideen won a famous victory, but peace did not last. After the war, the armed groups turned on each other, and Afghanistan entered a long civil war.

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