Liberation Day, celebrated in Afghanistan, commemorates the day the Soviet troops started withdrawing from Afghanistan. This momentous day which falls on 15th February, is a national holiday, signaling the end of a decade-long occupation by Soviet forces that started in 1979. The invasion led to a protracted and costly war, with the Afghan resistance, famously known as 'Mujahideen', fighting vehemently against the foreign occupation.
During the occupation, Afghanistan suffered substantial devastation, with millions of its citizens either killed, injured, or displaced. The conflict had broad geopolitical implications and greatly affected the socio-economic fabric of the nation. The withdrawal of Soviet troops was seen as a significant defeat for the then superpower, and the day is therefore observed as 'Liberation Day'. The day recognizes the bravery, resilience, and sacrifice of the Afghan people and their ardent commitment to national sovereignty.
While Liberation Day is a significant date marked in Afghanistan's national calendar, its celebration is generally subdued. People take time to remember those who lost their lives fighting for their motherland. For some, it is also a moment to reflect on the enduring challenges such as ongoing conflicts, closely related to the foreign intervention marked by this day. Nonetheless, it continues to serve as a powerful reminder of a momentous turning point in the history of Afghanistan.