Mujahideen Tactics In The Soviet Afghan War

The Soviet Afghan War, which took place from 1979 to 1989, was a conflict that significantly impacted the region of Afghanistan, leaving a lasting mark on its history. During this time, the Afghan Mujahideen fought against the Soviet Union's military forces, utilizing various tactics that proved to be effective against a formidable opponent.

The Mujahideen, which translates to "strugglers" or "holy warriors," were guerrilla fighters who fought against the Soviet invaders. They consisted of a diverse group of Afghan resistance fighters, including tribal militias, local warlords, and extremist religious factions. These fighters employed a range of tactical strategies to outmaneuver and defeat the Soviet forces, which were superior in terms of firepower and resources.

One of the key strategies employed by the Mujahideen was their knowledge of the rugged terrain and complex geography of Afghanistan. They utilized this advantage to launch surprise attacks, ambush enemy troops, and engage in hit-and-run tactics. The mountainous regions of Afghanistan provided natural cover for the Mujahideen, allowing them to hide and evade capture, making it difficult for the Soviet forces to target or predict their movements.

The Other Side of the Mountain: Mujahideen Tactics in the Soviet-Afghan War

by Ali Ahmad Jalali(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	361 pages
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Another tactic widely used by the Mujahideen was their ability to blend in with the local population. The Soviet forces, who were largely seen as outsiders and occupiers, faced difficulty distinguishing between local civilians and Mujahideen fighters. This allowed the Mujahideen to gather information, recruit sympathizers, and conduct covert operations without being easily identified by the Soviet troops.

The Mujahideen also adapted their weaponry and tactics to counter the Soviet Union's superior firepower. They utilized a combination of small arms, such as AK-47 assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs),and explosives to launch attacks against Soviet tanks, helicopters, and other armored vehicles. These tactics were effective in neutralizing the Soviet Union's technological advantage, as the Mujahideen capitalized on their knowledge of the terrain to launch surprise attacks on vulnerable targets.

In addition to traditional guerrilla tactics, the Mujahideen also employed psychological warfare strategies. They utilized religious ideology to motivate their fighters and gain support from the local population. The concept of "jihad" or holy war served as a powerful rallying cry, appealing to devout Muslims who believed in resisting the Soviet occupation. The Mujahideen leveraged this ideological fervor to recruit new fighters, making their resistance movement a formidable force.

Furthermore, the Mujahideen benefited from external support. They received substantial aid from various foreign entities, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, among others. This support played a crucial role in the acquisition of modern weaponry, training, and financial resources for the Mujahideen. Their ability to access advanced weapons and logistics enabled them to undermine the Soviet forces and sustain a protracted conflict.

While the Soviet Afghan War ended with the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989, the Mujahideen's tactics and strategies left a lasting impact on subsequent conflicts around the world. Their tactics, such as guerrilla warfare, exploiting terrain advantages, adapting to enemy tactics, and leveraging popular support, have served as valuable lessons for resistance movements against powerful adversaries.

, the Mujahideen's tactics in the Soviet Afghan War were rooted in their intimate knowledge of the local terrain, their ability to blend in with the population, and their strategic use of weaponry. These tactics were effective in countering the Soviet Union's superior firepower and ultimately played a significant role in their success in the conflict. The lessons learned from the Mujahideen's strategies continue to be studied and utilized by insurgent groups worldwide.

The Other Side of the Mountain: Mujahideen Tactics in the Soviet-Afghan War

by Ali Ahmad Jalali(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	361 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

This book tells the story of the Soviet-Afghan war in the words of the Mujahideen guerrillas themselves. For ten years the Mujahideen fought a military superpower that had invaded their homeland. Outnumbered and outgunned, they used classic guerrilla tactics to gradually wear down and finally defeat the Soviet army. The authors interviewed Mujahideen commanders and fighters, who describe over 100 guerrilla actions, including ambushes, urban combat, hit-and-run raids, rocket attacks, strongpoint sieges, fighting off heliborne assaults, and last-ditch defenses of their hidden mountain bases. Each vignette includes an after-action analysis by the authors, pointing out where each side succeeded or failed in its mission. A final chapter analyzes how a decentralized foot-mobile insurgent force could defeat a modern fully-mechanized army that had overwhelming artillery and air support. There are 89 tactical battle maps, and a glossary of Mujahideen and Soviet Army terminology and map symbols. This is a companion piece to “The Bear Went Over the Mountain: Soviet Combat Tactics in Afghanistan,” which tells the story from the other side of the war.

Table of Contents:
 • 
 • Foreword
 • Acknowledgements
 • Preface
 • Chapter 1: Ambushes
 • Chapter 2: Raids
 • Chapter 3: Shelling Attacks
 • Chapter 4: Attacking a Strong Point
 • Chapter 5: Mine Warfare
 • Chapter 6: Blocking Enemy Lines of Communication
 • Chapter 7: Siege Warfare
 • Chapter 8: Defending Against Raids
 • Chapter 9: Fighting Heliborne Insertions
 • Chapter 10: Defending Against a Cordon and Search
 • Chapter 11: Defending Base Camps
 • Chapter 12: Counterambushes
 • Chapter 13: Fighting in an Encirclement
 • Chapter 14: Urban Combat
 • Chapter 15:
 • Glossary
 • Symbols Library
 • About the Authors