In 1988, the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan, ending a 10-year war that had devastating consequences for both countries. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 was met with fierce resistance from Afghan rebels known as the Mujahideen, who were supported by the United States, Pakistan, and other countries.

The war in Afghanistan was a costly and bloody conflict for the Soviet Union, with thousands of Soviet soldiers killed and injured. The Soviet military's tactics, including indiscriminate bombing and attacks on civilian populations, also led to widespread human rights abuses and civilian casualties.

The Soviet Union's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in 1988 was seen as a significant turning point in the conflict, and marked the end of Soviet involvement in the country. The withdrawal was part of a larger effort by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to reform and modernize the Soviet Union, and to improve relations with the West.

The legacy of the Soviet Union's involvement in Afghanistan continues to be felt today, with the country still facing political instability, economic challenges, and ongoing conflict with various insurgent groups. The war in Afghanistan also had broader implications for the region, contributing to the rise of militant Islamist groups and shaping the geopolitics of Central Asia.

For more information on the Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan and the impact of the war, you can visit the following links:

• BBC - Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan
• History.com - Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

Overall, the Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1988 marked the end of a turbulent chapter in the country's history, but the consequences of the war continue to be felt to this day.

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