In April 1978, Afghanistan witnessed a dramatic political upheaval known as the Saur Revolution. President Mohammad Daoud Khan had maintained a tight grip on power since a 1973 coup that ousted the monarchy. Though initially supported by the Soviet Union, his increasingly authoritarian policies and failure to implement significant reforms led to widespread dissatisfaction among various factions within the country. The People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), a communist party, began to mobilize support against Daoud's regime, appealing to discontent among the populace, particularly in terms of land reforms and workers' rights.

The coup began on April 27, 1978, with the PDPA orchestrating a coordinated uprising in Kabul. After an initial victory, the rebels quickly seized key government buildings and military installations. By the next day, they had declared the regime overthrown. Daoud Khan and several of his family members were captured and subsequently assassinated. The coup was characterized by its speed and decisiveness, which shocked not only Afghans but also international observers.

With the PDPA now in control, Afghanistan entered a new era marked by attempts at major political and social reforms. However, this shift was not universally accepted, as various tribal and political factions opposed the new regime. The interaction of these elements, combined with rising Soviet influence, led to burgeoning tensions that ultimately contributed to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and a protracted conflict that would extend into the next decade and beyond.