Mujahideen facts for kids

Mujahideen (Arabic: مجاهدين mujāhidīn) is an Arabic word. It is the plural form of mujahid (Arabic: مجاهد). The word jihad means "struggle" in Arabic. In English, "Mujahideen" often describes groups of fighters, especially those who fought in the Soviet–Afghan War. These groups used guerrilla tactics. The term can now also refer to other similar groups in different countries.

Who Were the Mujahideen?

The word "mujahid" means someone who takes part in a "jihad." In its broadest sense, "jihad" means a struggle or effort. This can be a personal struggle to live a good life, or a struggle to defend one's faith or community.

During the 1980s, the term "Mujahideen" became widely known because of the war in Afghanistan. It referred to the Afghan people who fought against the Soviet army. These fighters were often driven by their religious beliefs and a desire to protect their homeland.

Their Role in the Soviet-Afghan War

From 1979 to 1989, the Soviet Union had its army in Afghanistan. Many Afghan people did not agree with this. They formed groups to fight back. These groups were called the Mujahideen. They were not one single army but many different groups. They fought bravely against the Soviet forces.

The Mujahideen used smart fighting methods. They knew the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan very well. This helped them to surprise the Soviet army. They often used small, quick attacks instead of big battles. This type of fighting is called guerrilla warfare.

What Was Guerrilla Warfare?

Guerrilla warfare is a way of fighting where small groups of fighters use surprise attacks. They avoid direct, large-scale battles. Instead, they might ambush enemy patrols. They could also destroy supply lines or hide in the landscape. This makes it very hard for a larger, more traditional army to defeat them. The Mujahideen were very good at this. They used their knowledge of the Afghan terrain to their advantage.

Beyond Afghanistan

After the Soviet army left Afghanistan, the term "Mujahideen" continued to be used. It sometimes refers to other groups of fighters in different parts of the world. These groups often share similar goals or methods. However, it is important to remember that the original Mujahideen were the Afghan fighters. They fought to defend their country during the Soviet–Afghan War.

Images for kids

• 

  Afghan mujahideen fighters passing around the Durand Line border in 1985

• 

  U.S. President Reagan meeting with Afghan mujahideen at the White House in 1983.

• 

  Al-Shabaab militants made gains (2009–10) in guerrilla-style attacks

See also

In Spanish: Muyahidín para niños