Afghanistan on Saturday marked the 46th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s invasion of the country, an event that triggered a decade-long war and reshaped the nation’s modern history.
On Dec. 27, 1979, troops from the Soviet Union’s 40th Army entered Afghanistan, beginning an occupation that lasted nearly 10 years and was marked by heavy fighting, widespread destruction and large numbers of civilian casualties.
Soviet forces withdrew in 1989 following sustained resistance by Afghan mujahideen fighters. Their departure was followed by years of civil war among rival factions, further devastating the country.
The Taliban marked the anniversary with a ceremony in Kabul attended by their senior officials, including Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Speaking at the event, Muttaqi said Afghans had repeatedly united in the face of foreign intervention, adding that recent tensions with a neighbouring country had also prompted unity among Afghans at home and abroad.
“The occupation of Afghanistan proved to be a grave mistake for occupying powers,” he said, adding that the defeat of foreign forces in Afghanistan should serve as a lesson to outsiders.
In a separate statement issued to mark the anniversary, the Taliban urged the people to remain vigilant against what they described as plots aimed at undermining their rule.
“The Islamic Emirate once again condemns the invasion by the former Soviet Union and calls on the people to safeguard the country’s independence and freedom,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a post on social media.
