Khorramshahr defensive operation (September 22nd, 1980)
Seizure and occupation of Khorramshahr by Iraq during the eight years of Holy Defense has been a turning point in Iraq’s attacks as far as the particular geopolitical importance of Khorramshahr was concerned. Being capable enough to cross river and move easily on land, Iraqi forces using available provisions launched an extensive assault toward Khorramshahr with 5th mechanized and 3th armor divisions, 15th and 26th mechanized and armor brigades in attacking echelon respectively through the Shalamcheh-Khorramshar axis on September 22nd.
This attack was supported through air and artillery fire and all parts of Khorramshahr were under attack. Some units of the 92nd armor division of I.R.I army including the 151st infantry battalion under the commandment of martyr Major Mustafa kebriyae together with some elements of Revolutionary Guard Corps, voluntary militant forces, marines, and other units resisted sporadically against enemy attacks. The enemy intended to capture Khorramshar and secure Arvand River and pave the way for the movement of its forces toward Abadan and Ahwaz and ultimately access to industrial and oil resources of Khuzestan province.
The courageous and tough resistance of the Iranian Army, Revolutionary Guard corps and the ordinary people over 34 days of heavy and close combat created unique epics full of devotion, dedication and bravery, an epic which was terminated with the surface victory of Iraq in the history of war; however, it should not be ignored that Iraq not only could do any action through the river but was forced to stop near the Arvand bridge after the seizure of the north west of Khorramshahr in the north of Arvand river, and could never occupy the other part of Khorramshahr and finally frightened by the Iranian army combatants attack it was made to destroy the bridge and defend in the opposite river bank.
Result:
- After 34 days of relentless and violent combat, Iraq while suffering heavy losses and casualties could cross the international border and occupy large area of Khorramshahr and due to the lack of access to pre-determined objectives, crossed Karun River in the north of Abadan toward Bahmanshir and surrounded Abadan incompletely.
- The role of Dezhl51th battalion and marines in this operation was evaluated as very significant. Although this battalion was almost annihilated at the end of the battle, the steadfastness of its personnel played the key role in preventing Iraq from achieving the main objectives.
Source:
The book named: Atlas of Unforgettable Battles
Compilation: Staff Colonel Mojtaba Jafari
Other links:
Ground Forces Operations in Eight years of Holy Defense
Iraq in preparation for a strike on Iran
Imam Khomeini’s Letter to Gorbachev
Dey 19th Protest in Qom (Part 1)
Dey 19th Protest in Qom (Part 2)
