Adolph Dubs, serving as the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, was kidnapped in Kabul by militants from the Setami Milli group, which was associated with the Afghan communist faction. The abduction occurred amid rising tensions in Afghanistan, where a communist coup had taken place in 1978. The diplomats were targeted due to perceived American influence in the region. During negotiations for Dubs's release, Afghan police attempted a rescue operation. Tragically, the situation turned violent when gunfire erupted during the police's intervention, resulting in the death of Dubs, who was struck in the exchange. This incident drew international attention and raised alarms about the safety of foreign diplomats in Afghanistan, a concern that would persist as the country moved closer to war and eventual Soviet intervention.

Moreover, Dubs's killing marked a significant escalation in the political landscape of Afghanistan, reflecting the chaos of the period and the fracturing of political power among various factions. The U.S. response to the kidnapping and subsequent death involved a reevaluation of diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, and it became apparent that the situation in the country was destabilizing rapidly. Dubs's death also foreshadowed the challenges that would face international representatives in Afghanistan in the years to come, particularly as the country would soon enter a period of conflict with the Soviet invasion.