AFGHANISTAN: STATUS OF THE INSURGENCY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00287R000801040002-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 21, 2010
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: October 11, 1983
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/21: CIA-RDP85T00287R000801040002-9
Afghanistan: Status of the Insurgency
Talking Points for the DCI
11 October 1983
Fighting in Afghanistan will continue near current levels
over the next few years, barring a drastic change in Soviet
policy. Increasing insurgent effectiveness and the problems of
the Soviet and Afghan military do not threaten Soviet control but 25X1
A, rM; ~e Q..~s; et
The Afghan insurgents have been seriously threatening urban
security and maintained intense pressure on convoys and military
posts. Since the invasion, Soviet costs have been considerable,
according to our estimates
-- Some 17,000 Soviets have been killed or wounded in
Afghanistan. The Afghan Army has suffered 50,000
casualties and nearly 80,000 men have deserted.
-- The insurgents have destroyed some 370 Soviet and Afghan
aircraft (mostly helicopters) and nearly 150 more have been
lost in accidents.
-- Approximately 10,000 Soviet and Afghan armored vehicles and
trucks have been destroyed or damaged.
-- Direct Soviet costs the invasion probably total
around $12 billion. 25X1
The Soviets are becoming more concerned about their
difficulties in coping with the resistance. Soviet casualties and
air losses are substantially up over the levels of last year.
Improvements in insurgent air defenses are forcing Sovi t air raft
rn nac 4"~..