Afghan Jihad
A look back at the mujahideen who fought the Soviet-backed government of Afghanistan with US support.
In 1979, the mujahideen of Afghanistan rebelled against an Soviet-backed central government. The US threw its financial and technological resources behind the rebel movement, offering support in any way it could. As far back as 1979 in the remote Kumar Valley, the US was arming the likes Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and his organisation Hezb-e-Islami - the very group that would go on to wage a vicious counter insurgency against Allied forces in the 1990s and 2000s.
"The faithful are fighting to establish a pure Islamic government and to spread the message. They are shedding their blood in order to establish a foundation for the fundamental Islamic way." These are the words of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, warlord, and close ally of Osama bin Laden. He continues, "if anyone extends his hand in friendship we will accept the hand with willingness." It was this that led the US to extend their very generous friendship right into the pocket of fundamentalism.
This astonishing film follows the mujahiddin supporters of warlord Kashmir Khan in alliance with Hekmatyar's Hizb-e-Islamia. We witness spectacular bombing raids on civilian targets, are joined by mutinying government troops and witness first hand the determination and faith of the jihadis. Khan leaves us with chilling battle cries and a grave warning, "anyone who interferes in our country, we are against."
FULL SYNOPSIS