Though not officially a belligerent during the Soviet–Afghan War, the United Kingdom was heavily involved, playing a key covert role in the conflict. Also known as the Second Great Game, the British provided both indirect and direct support for the Afghan Mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet Union which included arming, funding and supplying various factions covertly. Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) primarily supported the Mujahideen group Jamiat-e Islami commanded by Ahmad Shah Massoud who, having received little support from the US and Pakistan, became Britain's key ally in the conflict. Fighting in the Panjshir valley, Massoud and his fighters with British support and intelligence, overcame nine Soviet offensives and held the vital valley up to the Soviet withdrawal