Declassified Records Reveal Detailed View of Operation Magistral in Khost
The Russian Ministry of Defense has released for the first time a declassified report card from Operation Magistral, a military engagement conducted by the 40th Army to liberate the Khost region during the Afghan War. The newly disclosed document provides granular information about the composition of Soviet forces and opposing militant groups, their armament, and the geographic scope of the operation. [Citation: Russian Ministry of Defense archival materials]
This map and the accompanying materials form part of a multimedia historical project titled On distant borders, in the heart of the Motherland. The initiative was launched to mark a national remembrance of service members deployed abroad. [Citation: Ministry project materials]
Operation Magistral, carried out in cooperation with Afghan government forces of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, ran from 23 November 1987 to 10 January 1988. The strategic aim was to break the blockade of the Khost region and deter rebel efforts to seize broader control. The operation achieved its stated objectives as recorded in the declassified files. [Citation: declassified operation records]
The document notes that the map was declassified recently, on 22 April 2022, and is titled Report card of combat operations Magistral for the period 11/17/87 to 01/29/88. [Citation: archival metadata]
The map outlines mission details, the force composition on both sides, and the equipment involved, as well as the operational zones assigned to different units.
From the information contained in the document, it is evident that Soviet forces faced 66 insurgent groups totaling 4,420 fighters. The insurgents possessed 55 rocket launchers, 42 MANPADS, 27 anti-aircraft machine gun mounting systems, 84 mortars, and 177 RPG launchers. The Soviet contingent totaled 5,634 personnel and included 21 Grad MLRS launch vehicles, nine Hurricanes, several dozen field artillery pieces, 28 tanks, around 300 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. The aviation element comprised eight MiG-23 frontline fighters, 16 Su-17 fighter-bombers, eight Su-25 attack aircraft, and 35 helicopters for transport and attack roles. [Citation: declassified combat records]
Earlier reports note that Afghanistan sought international assistance following a major earthquake, underscoring the broader regional impact of the conflict during that period. [Citation: regional historical summaries]