Liberation of Khorramshahr

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Liberation of Khorramshahr
partof=Iran–Iraq War


caption=
date=November 1980 - May 24 1982
place=Khorramshahr, Khuzestan province, southwest Iran
casus=Iranian attempt to end the Iraqi occupation of Khorramshahr
territory=Iran retakes the city of Khorramshahr and pushes the Iraqis back to the border.
result=Iranian decisive victory
combatant1=flagcountry|Iraq|1963
combatant2=flagcountry|Iran
combatant3=
commander1=
commander2=
commander3=
strength1=70,000
strength2=70,000
strength3=
casualties1=7,000 killed or wounded
19,000 captured
casualties2=Unknown
casualties3=
notes=The Liberation of Khorramshahr was the Iranian recapture of the port city of Khorramshahr from the Iraqis on May 24, 1982 during the Iran–Iraq War. The Iraqis had captured the city early in the war on October 26, 1980. The successful retaking of the city was part of Operation Jerusalem. It is perceived as a turning point in the war and the liberation is celebrated in Iran on its anniversary, May 24.

The battle

The city remained in Iraqi hands until April 1982, when the Iranians launched Operation Jerusalem to recapture the Khuzestan province. The first attack (April 24 to May 12) consisted of 70,000 Pasdaran (members of Iran's military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and succeeded in pushing the Iraqis out of the Ahvaz-Susangerd area. The Iraqis withdrew back to Khorramshahr and, on May 20th, launched a counter attack against the Iranians, which was repulsed. The Iranians then launched an all out assault on Khorramshahr, capturing two of the defense lines in the Pol-e No and Shalamcheh region. The Iranians gathered around the Shatt al-Arab (known as Arvand Rud in Iran) waterway, surrounding the city and, thus, beginning the second siege. The Iranians finally recaptured the city on May 24th after two days of bitter fighting.

Aftermath

In re-taking the city, the Iranians captured some 19,000 soldiers from a demoralized Iraqi Army.Iranians celebrate the anniversary of Liberation of Khorramshahr every year.

Iran was emboldened by its success in Khorramshahr. Some believe that this worked against Iran since Iran was at a great bargaining position to end the war. Iraq had signaled its readiness to end the war at this point. Other parties such as the Saudis had signaled their willingness to help Iraq in paying reparations to Iran. But emboldened by their win, some elements in Iran opted to continue the war. As a result, the next six years of the war was an exercise in futility for both parties.

On the other hand, Saddam was shocked and angry at the defeat in Khorramshahr. He ordered the execution of a number of top Iraqi officers responsible for defence of Khorramshahr.

ee also

*Karun River

References