Tehran- IRAF- Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban, issued a statement on Sunday, 26 Bahman, on the occasion of the 37th anniversary of the withdrawal of the Red Army of the former Soviet Union from Afghanistan, describing the event as one of the most important turning points in the country’s contemporary history.
In the statement, Mujahid said that the “jihad, struggle, sacrifices, and suffering of the Muslim people of Afghanistan” forced the former Soviet Union—then one of the world’s great powers—to retreat from Afghan soil.
He congratulated the “mujahedeen and Muslims” on the victory, calling it a sign of divine support and the will of the Afghan nation.
The Taliban further stated that over the past century, Afghanistan has on several occasions been liberated from foreign occupation “with the help of God,” which they said reflects the firm determination of the people to safeguard their religion and national independence.
The group warned that the experience of defeated invading powers should serve as a lesson to others and that no force should once again act against the freedom and independence of the Afghan people.
In the concluding part of the statement, the Taliban called on the people of Afghanistan to remain vigilant and united, preserve Islamic unity, follow the path of their forefathers, and stand against any “plots and conspiracies.”
Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs declared today—26 Bahman, the anniversary of the Soviet withdrawal, a public holiday.
Thirty-seven years ago today, the last units of the Red Army left Afghanistan after a ten-year presence, crossing the Hairatan border bridge into Uzbekistan.
On December 27, 1979, the 40th Army of the Soviet Red Army invaded Afghanistan.
The initial phase of the occupation included early clashes with various resistance groups.
Soviet forces remained in Afghanistan for ten years, a presence marked by continuous bloody confrontations and heavy casualties, particularly among civilians.
After a decade, and following sustained resistance by the Afghan mujahideen, Soviet forces withdrew; however, their departure was followed by the outbreak of a civil war in the country.
