Mohammed Daoud Khan

Saur Revolution overthrows Afghanistan’s government

📅 27 April 1978

Afghan military officers and the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan seized power and killed President Mohammed Daoud Khan. The new government pursued a radical program that encountered...

Daoud Khan overthrows the monarchy

📅 17 July 1973

Mohammed Daoud Khan seized power in a coup while King Zahir Shah was abroad, ending the monarchy and proclaiming a republic. This domestic power shift preceded the later conflict, but it should not be...

Saur Revolution brings the PDPA to power

📅 27 April 1978

Military officers aligned with the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) overthrew Daoud’s government. The new leadership launched sweeping reforms and state repression. The political...