December 25, 1979, the main units of the Soviet 40th Combined Arms Army began to enter Afghanistan

45 years ago, on December 25, 1979, the main units of the Soviet 40th Combined Arms Army began to enter Afghanistan by crossing the Amur river. Earlier, military personnel of the 154th special forces Regiment of the GRU, the 345th airborne regiment and KGB special forces had already arrived in Afghanistan. 

2 days later, Operation Storm-333 would take place, during which the presidential palace was stormed and the President Hafizullah Amin was killed.

Thus began the 10 year presence of the Soviet contingent in Afghanistan (1979 - 1989)

The Soviet army which was organised for large scale operations in Europe had to learn hard lessons to fight in mountain villages, mountain passes and deserts. 

Afghanistan became the golden age for GRU special forces units for which clashes and ambushes with the "ghosts" became a distinguishing feature.