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Today in History: Carter authorizes covert aid for Afghan mujahideen

7/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On July 3, 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed a presidential finding that authorized covert operations to support the Afghan mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet-backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. This decision marked a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, laying the groundwork for the CIA's Operation Cyclone, which aimed to arm and finance the mujahideen.

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Story summary

On July 3, 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed a presidential finding that authorized covert operations to support the Afghan mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet-backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. This decision marked a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, laying the groundwork for the CIA's Operation Cyclone, which aimed to arm and finance the mujahideen.