As the Cold War rivalry between the US and Soviet Union reached a boiling point, Soviet forces descended upon Kabul, capturing the Afghan capital and catapulting the region into a brutal decade-long conflict. In a move that would have far-reaching consequences, Soviet Union leader Leonid Brezhnev ordered the invasion, citing the need to stabilize the communist government of Nur Muhammad Taraki. But as Soviet troops occupied the city, they were met with fierce resistance from Afghan mujahideen fighters, setting the stage for a prolonged and bloody struggle that would drain Soviet resources and eventually contribute to the collapse of the Soviet Empire.