The Last Soviet Armored Column Leaves Kabul: February 2, 1989
1989 · Kabul, Afghanistan
The last Soviet armored column left Kabul, ending nine years of military occupation in Afghanistan.
Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan: May 15, 1988
On May 15, 1988, the Soviet Union commenced the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan, marking a significant turning point in the Soviet-Afghan War. This event signaled the beginning of the end of a nearly decade-long conflict that had profound implications for both Afghanistan and the Soviet Union.
Background
The Soviet-Afghan War began in December 1979 when Soviet forces invaded Afghanistan to support the communist government of the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) against insurgent groups known as the Mujahideen. The invasion was part of the Cold War dynamics, with the Soviet Union aiming to maintain a friendly government in Afghanistan and counter Western influence in the region.
The Mujahideen, backed by the United States, Pakistan, China, and other countries, waged a guerrilla war against the Soviet forces and the Afghan government. The conflict was characterized by its brutality and the heavy toll it took on the civilian population, leading to significant displacement and casualties.
Key Events Leading to Withdrawal
Stalemate and Costs: By the mid-1980s, the war had reached a stalemate. The Soviet Union faced mounting casualties, international condemnation, and a significant economic burden due to the prolonged conflict.
Gorbachev’s Reforms: Mikhail Gorbachev, who became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985, sought to reform the Soviet system through policies of Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring). He recognized the need to extricate the Soviet Union from the costly Afghan quagmire.
Geneva Accords: In April 1988, the Geneva Accords were signed by Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the United States and the Soviet Union as guarantors. The accords laid out a framework for the withdrawal of Soviet troops and the non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
The Withdrawal
The withdrawal process began on May 15, 1988, with the phased removal of Soviet troops. The plan was to complete the withdrawal by February 15, 1989. The process was carried out in stages to ensure the safety of the departing forces and to maintain some level of stability in Afghanistan.
Aftermath and Consequences
Completion of Withdrawal: The last Soviet troops left Afghanistan on February 15, 1989, effectively ending Soviet military involvement in the country.
Impact on Afghanistan: The withdrawal did not bring immediate peace to Afghanistan. The PDPA government, led by President Mohammad Najibullah, continued to face resistance from the Mujahideen. The country descended into further civil war after the collapse of the Soviet-backed government in 1992.
Soviet Union’s Decline: The war significantly weakened the Soviet Union, contributing to its economic strain and political instability. It is often cited as a factor leading to the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Global Implications: The conflict and subsequent withdrawal highlighted the limits of superpower intervention in regional conflicts and had lasting effects on international relations and the geopolitical landscape of Central Asia.
The Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan remains a pivotal moment in 20th-century history, illustrating the complexities of foreign intervention and the enduring challenges of achieving peace in conflict-ridden regions.