ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mujahideen

Mujahideen is a big word that means people who fight with guns and weapons for their beliefs or for their country. When we talk about the Mujahideen, we are usually talking about the people who fought in Afghanistan against the government and its supporters.

The word "Mujahideen" comes from Arabic, which is a language that people in countries like Afghanistan speak. It means "those who engage in Jihad." Jihad means "struggle" or "fight," but it is often used to describe a religious struggle or fight. So, Mujahideen are people who fight for a religious cause.

In the 1980s, the Mujahideen in Afghanistan were fighting against the government that was supported by the Soviet Union, which was a powerful country at the time. These Mujahideen were supported by the United States and other countries because they wanted to help them win the war.

The Mujahideen used guns and other weapons to fight against the government and its supporters. They were very brave and fought in harsh conditions, like in the mountains and deserts. Sometimes they would hide underground to avoid being seen by the enemy.

In the end, the Mujahideen won the war in Afghanistan, and the government was overthrown. However, this victory also led to other problems and conflicts, and some of the Mujahideen went on to form groups that used violence for political and religious reasons.

So, while the Mujahideen were people who fought for what they believed in, their actions and beliefs have become more complicated and controversial over time.