Who were the mujahedeen?

The mujahedeen were Islamic guerrilla fighters who battled against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989. Comprising various factions, they were motivated by a desire to resist foreign control and establish an Islamic state. The conflict drew international attention and support, with countries like the United States providing aid to the mujahedeen, viewing them as part of the Cold War struggle against Soviet influence. Their efforts contributed to the eventual withdrawal of Soviet forces, but the power vacuum led to ongoing conflict and instability in Afghanistan.