7. The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979)
The Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 aimed to support the faltering communist government against a growing insurgency. The ensuing nine-year conflict resulted in an estimated 1 to 3 million Afghan deaths and displaced millions more. Soviet forces faced fierce resistance from the mujahideen, leading to a protracted and costly occupation. The war’s devastation and the rise of militant groups like the Taliban have had lasting impacts on Afghanistan’s stability and development (history.com).
