The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan began on December 24, 1979, when the Soviet Union deployed troops to support the communist government of Afghanistan. The invasion aimed to stabilize the Afghan regime, which was facing opposition from various insurgent groups known as the Mujahideen. The conflict lasted nearly a decade, with the Soviet forces facing fierce resistance. The invasion drew international condemnation and led to a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Ultimately, the Soviet Union withdrew its troops in February 1989, marking a significant event in the Cold War era.