Nur Muhammad Taraki

Who was Taraki?

Nur Muhammad Taraki was a communist statesman in Afghanistan during the Cold War and served as the country's president from 1978 to 1979.

What war was Taraki involved in?

Muslim leaders across Afghanistan didn't like the new communist leader. They started a civil war against the communists in spring 1979.

When did Taraki die?

Members of the communist government were fighting among themselves and, in October 1979, Amin supporters assassinated Taraki. Amin then claimed the presidency.