The Limited Contingent of Soviet Troops entered Afghanistan in December 1979 following a request from the left-wing secular government fighting against radical militants. After the pullout in 1989, tensions between the different factions erupted once again, resulting in a surge of the Taliban movement and other radical groups, the US-led intervention in 2001, and full-scale civil war.
Armoured Vehicles crossing a bridge in the Uzbek city of Termez near the Soviet-Afghan border.
Soviet troops on the way home. 14 February 1989.
A column of Soviet vehicles crossing Salang Pass in the Hindu Kush mountains.
Welcome home ceremony in the Uzbek city of Termez for Soviet soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
Afghan people watch the Limited Contingent of Soviet Troops heading back home.
Welcome home ceremony in the Uzbek city of Termez for Soviet soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
Soviet soldier meets his family after withdrawal from Afghanistan. 29 March 1989.
People welcome Soviet soldiers after the troop withdrawal from Afganistan.
Soviet troops on the way home.
The first colum of Soviet troops crossing Salang Pass on the way home.
A Soviet military unit in the mountains of Afghanistan. 31 March 1980
Battery Commander Captain Vladimir Skiba in Afghanistan.
The Limited Contingent of Soviet Troops in Afghanistan lands troops in the Hindu Kush mountains.
Photo of Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan. 3 September 1988
A Soviet light armoured unit near the fort of Bala Hisar in Kabul.
A Soviet light armoured unit near the fort of Bala Hisar in Kabul. 1st of February 1989
Oleg Medyankin, a soldier from the Limited Contingent of Soviet Troops in Afghanistan
Soviet special forces after a mission in Afghanistan. 18 February 1988
The withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. The vehicles on the side of the road had been destroyed by Mujahideen militants.
An awards and decoration ceremony in Afghanistan.
Soviet military outpost in the mountains of Afghanistan near the capital city of Kabul.
