Operation Summer Rain (Cold War)
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Operation Summer Rain (German: Operation Sommerregen), was a highly classified joint mission involving the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and special units of the German Armed Forces during the Cold War-era Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s. The primary objective of the operation was to gather intelligence on the weapons systems used by Soviet forces.
Quick Facts Type, Locations ...
Operation Summer Rain | |
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Part of Soviet–Afghan War and the Cold War | |
Type | Covert operation |
Locations | |
Planned by | West Germany |
Commanded by | Helmut Schmidt (Chancellor of West Germany, until 1982) Helmut Kohl(Chancellor of West Germany from 1982) Hans-Georg Wieck (President of the Secret Services) |
Target | Soviet Armed Forces |
Date | 1981–1990 (9 years) |
Executed by | Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Special units of the German Armed Forces Supported by: Afghan Mujhideens |
Outcome | Operation successful
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Casualties | None |
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During the Cold War, the West, particularly the United States, aimed to contain Soviet influence in Afghanistan. Intelligence agencies pursued a strategy of supporting the Mujahideen by providing weapons, equipment, and training. This approach aimed to give the Soviet forces a costly experience while gaining insights into Soviet military technology.