On 15 May 1988, the first withdrawal of major force elements of the Soviet Army from Afghanistan began under the terms of previously-negotiated accords. The withdrawal marked a critical turning point in the long Soviet-Afghan War and dramatically shifted the balance of internal conflict. With the departing Soviet forces, the Afghan government faced increasing pressure from mujahideen groups and decreasing external support. The event had both symbolic and strategic value: it signalled the end of large-scale Soviet intervention and the beginning of a new phase of Afghan internal struggle and regional involvement.
