The Sharp End: The Soviet Afghan War #2 - Soviet Afghan War

07 JANUARY 1988, HILL 3234, GARDEZ - KHOST ROAD, NEAR PAKISTAN BORDER: The Soviet 40th Army began Operation Magistral to open the road from Gardez to Khost near the Pakistani border. As the operation went on, Soviet commanders wanted to secure the entire section of the road from Gardez to Khost. One of the most important points was the nameless hill designated by its height of 3234 meters which was assigned to the 9th company of the 345th Guards Airborne Regiment. Shortly after landing, the airborne troopers, who were well trained and experienced in the Afghan campaign, started to take up positions which covered both the road and the uphill passages. The mujahideen, supported by the Arab volunteers launched a well coordinated heavy attack on the paratrooper positions at 1530 hrs