The 'Anniversary of the Withdrawal of Foreign Troops' is a national holiday in Afghanistan that marks the end of the Soviet-Afghan War. The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 in support of the Afghan communist regime fighting a rebel force known as the Mujahideen, which later grew into the Taliban. Afghanistan and many other nations interpreted the war as an aggressive act of invasion, which led to a decade-long armed conflict.
On this day, the country commemorates the final withdrawal of Soviet troops on February 15, 1989. More than 100,000 Soviet soldiers withdrew from Afghanistan, after a mutual agreement was reached to end this hostile engagement - a landmark in ending the Cold War, marking Afghanistan's victory over this military intervention. This holiday also serves as a symbol of national pride and Afghan resilience.
However, the withdrawal did not bring immediate peace and stability to Afghanistan, as internecine civil strife continued for years afterwards, eventually giving rise to the Taliban and al-Qaeda. But despite its troubled history, the 'Anniversary of the Withdrawal of Foreign Troops' remains a significant event for the Afghans, reminding them of the immense sacrifices they made during the Soviet invasion and their relentless struggle for sovereignty.