War in Afghanistan (1989–1992)

War in Afghanistan (1989–1992) was the final phase of the Afghan Civil War (1989–1992), following the withdrawal of Soviet combat forces. The conflict pitted the Soviet-backed government of Mohammad Najibullah in Kabul against a coalition of Afghan mujahideen factions. Despite predictions of a rapid collapse, the Republic of Afghanistan (1987–1992) survived for over three years through a combination of military reform, continued foreign aid, and internal mujahideen divisions. The war culminated in the Peshawar Accord and the fall of Kabul in April 1992, leading to the establishment of the Islamic State of Afghanistan and setting the stage for further civil conflict.

Background and Soviet withdrawal

The war directly followed the end of the Soviet–Afghan War, which concluded with the signing of the Geneva Accords. The final withdrawal of the 40th Army across the Friendship Bridge was completed on 15 February 1989, leaving President Mohammad Najibullah's People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan government to defend itself. The United States and Saudi Arabia, via the Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan, continued massive support to the mujahideen, anticipating a swift victory. Conversely, the Soviet Union, under Mikhail Gorbachev, committed to sustaining Najibullah's regime with billions in military and economic aid, including vital supplies of Scud missiles, through airlifts and land routes from the Soviet Republics.

Military strategies and major campaigns

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Afghanistan, bolstered by militias like the Junbish-e Milli led by Abdul Rashid Dostum, adopted a strategy of defending urban centers and key supply lines. A critical early victory was the successful defense of Jalalabad in 1989 against a major mujahideen offensive, which proved the army's resilience. The government relied heavily on air power from the Afghan Air Force, using MiG-21 and Su-25 aircraft, and Scud missile strikes against rebel bases. The mujahideen, fragmented among factions like Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin and Ahmad Shah Massoud's Jamiat-e Islami, failed to coordinate a unified military strategy. Major campaigns included the protracted battles for Khost, which fell in 1991, and Massoud's systematic capture of northeastern provinces, isolating Kabul.

Political developments and diplomacy

Politically, Najibullah attempted to broaden his base through a policy of National Reconciliation, renaming the state the Republic of Afghanistan (1987–1992) and promoting a constitution. Internationally, the United Nations, led by envoy Benon Sevan, pursued diplomatic initiatives like the UN Five Point Peace Plan. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991 was a catastrophic blow, halting all aid and fuel shipments. This prompted key regime allies, including Abdul Rashid Dostum and his Uzbek militia, to switch sides. Simultaneously, regional powers, particularly Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, pressured the mujahideen leaders to form a provisional government, resulting in the Peshawar Accord in April 1992.

Civilian impact and humanitarian crisis

The continuous warfare caused severe devastation, displacing hundreds of thousands within Afghanistan and into neighboring Iran and Pakistan. The capital, Kabul, which had remained relatively secure, became a target of sustained rocket attacks, notably from Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's forces based in Charasyab. Infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems, and schools, was extensively damaged. The humanitarian situation was dire, with widespread food shortages exacerbated by the blockade of supply routes. Organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees struggled to provide aid amidst the fighting and political chaos.

Aftermath and collapse of the Republic

The defection of Abdul Rashid Dostum and the collapse of the Peshawar Accord's fragile unity directly led to the fall of the government. As mujahideen forces converged on Kabul, Najibullah attempted to flee but was prevented by Dostum's troops, taking refuge in the United Nations compound. On 24 April 1992, the Islamic State of Afghanistan was proclaimed, with Sibghatullah Mojaddedi as interim president. However, the accord immediately unraveled, leading to the Battle of Kabul (1992–1996) between the forces of Ahmad Shah Massoud and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. This victory of the mujahideen did not bring peace, instead inaugurating a new and even more destructive phase of civil war that would eventually see the rise of the Taliban.

Category:Wars involving Afghanistan Category:Cold War conflicts Category:1990s in Afghanistan