Before the initial deployment of the Soviet troops, a conflict between supporters of different political parties, specifically the Saur Revolution, took place in Afghanistan. During this revolution, there have been large amounts of corruption and changes in leadership, until finally, Nur Muhammad Taraki assumed control of the country. During this time, Afghanistan was heavily influenced by the Soviet Union. Due to governmental policies not being receipted well by the majority of the population, a rebellion occurred, which then led to a civil war. President Taraki was later arrested, killed, and replaced by Hafizullah Amin. The Soviet Union felt that Amin was not loyal to them. When the Soviets finally entered the country, they invaded the capital and killed Amin. The Soviets and the Afghan forces they were allied with fought with an insurgent group called the Mujahideen. The Mujahideen was backed by the United States, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, China, and Saudi Arabia. During the occupation, the Soviets committed a large amount of war crimes. They killed countless civilians by using many different methods while searching for the rebels. Many people were shot, blown up, and burned alive. People have also reported accounts of seeing the Soviets conducting chemical warfare in the villages. They used many things, from mustard gas to nerve agents. There were also reports that the Soviet soldiers conducted rape and killed pregnant women, as well as children. After killing the innocents, the soldiers would pour a chemical on the bodies that caused immediate decomposition.
- "Soviet war in Afghanistan." Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 10 May, 2014. Web. 28 May.
2014. - Hamilton, Dave. Declassified CIA Report Exposes Crimes Against Humanity By The Soviets. Digital Journal, Nov. 2012.
- Shelton, Steven Malik. Casualties and War Crimes in Afghanistan. Media Monitors, Aug. 2004.