[1] According to a Helsinki Watch report based on eyerwitness testimony, the Soviet troops entered several villages of Issa Khel in the Char Dara District, Kunduz, on 14 December 1984 in their pursuit of Mujahideen fighters.

The Soviet soldiers perpetrated several crimes there, including looting, wanton destruction, rape and murder.

[5] Numerous villagers were locked in houses and killed when the Soviets set fire by throwing grenades inside.

[7] The survivors and the Mujahideen loaded the corpses onto waggons and transported them to Kunduz city, to protest against such acts.

[8] One speculation is that the Soviets targeted the area because it was the home province of one of the Mujahideen leaders Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.