Trumpeter 00436 1/35 Afghan Rebels
Mujahideen is a term derived from the Arabic language for Muslim men who most often voluntarily fight guerrilla against external military occupation or take military action against the current power in the state or in a given area. Mujahideen formations played a huge and decisive role in the course of the Afghanistan War of 1979-1989. Driven mainly by religious and ideological reasons, with considerable support from the US government, they were instrumental in the defeat of the USSR in this war. Through its allies and through various secret channels, the US supplied them with ammunition, supplies and all types of light weapons - including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. It is worth adding that in 1985 seven main mujahideen formations entered into an alliance (the so-called Alliance of the Seven) to fight together with the USSR, which significantly improved the planning and conduct of military operations. Among the mujahideen fighting in Afghanistan, there were also many volunteers from Muslim countries who considered participation in the fighting against the USSR a jihad.