Soviet–Afghan War - Conquering Herat

DATE: 14/12/2023

TIME (GMT): 18:00

ERA: Modern

MAP(S): Northern Takistan

TYPE: COOP

GAME: Arma 3

EVENT: Official

AUTHOR(S): Jarvis

SLOTS: 74 / 100

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RATING: (21)

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The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, or Soviet-Afghan War, took place between the years 1979 to 1989. The Saur Revolution which took place in 1978 saw the collapse of the First Afghan Republic and formation of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, spearheaded by the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan or PDPA, led by Nur Muhammad Taraki. Although the nation was officially neutral, it was effectively reliant on the Soviet Union, and both countries had signed treaties of cooperation. In December of 1978, a treaty was signed between the Soviet Union and the Republic of Afghanistan enabling the latter to call upon the Soviets for military support if ever required.

Throughout 1978 the Taraki government had initiated many Soviet style reforms, most notably to Islamic civil law, which had resulted in a growing number of Afghans becoming disillusioned and frustrated by the ruling PDPA party. Unrest was met with violence by the Afghani Army and executions were common, resulting in a large amount of the countries population revolting against the government, the largest of which being the Herat uprising. As the Taraki government gradually lost control of the nation, they continually requested the deployment of Soviet troops in Afghanistan to crush the revolt, which the Soviets denied, instead allowing the sale of weaponry and Mi-24 Helicopters.

Following the assassination of Nur Muhammad Taraki, the new government of Hafizullah Amin had lost complete control of Afghanistan. The KGB reported to Moscow that the Amin government had begun eliminating pro-Soviet opponents and was potentially seeking to develop ties with Pakistan, and as a result, despite an alleged report that the Afghan people would likely not support Soviet intervention, the decision was made by Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev to begin an invasion at the end of 1979.

It is 1500 on the 25th of December 1979. Zero Hour has passed, with the 2nd Motor Rifle Company of the 373rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment beginning its march into Afghanistan, supported by tanks of the 285th Tank 'Uman-Warsaw' Regiment.