Diversionary raids targeted Soviet and WAD positions, but the main objective were the defensive outposts manned by pro-government militias defending the city.

The militias suffered heavily in the attack, causing the government to plan a retaliatory offensive against resistance strongholds in the Arghandab District.

Situated in a lush agricultural area along the Arghandab River, it is crossed by many deep irrigation ditches which limit and channelize the movement of armoured vehicles, as well as providing cover for the defenders.

[1] After some aircraft were shot by mujahideen Stinger missiles, the Soviet helicopter gunships that had provided much of the air support were called off.

The Afghan troops found themselves facing entrenched mujahideen, dug into camouflaged bunkers, and their morale suffered accordingly.