 Soviet offensives into the Panjshir Valley had three main tactical features.There was (1) the concentration of air assets, including extensive aerial bombardment of a target area followed by (2) the landing of helicopter forces to stop the withdrawal of enemy forces and engage the enemy from unexpected directions and (3) a drive by of mechanized forces into areas of guerrilla support in conjunction with the helicopter landing parties.It was these kinds of tactics that caused so much destruction in the civilian populations in these regions.