North of Abadan - Husseiniyeh station defensive operation (September 22nd, 1980)
Defending Khorramshahr and its northern axis in Husseiniyeh area against the enemy’s attack was considered an issue which had attracted the attention of the Iranian army commanders prior to the victory of the Islamic Revolution. To this end, border infrastructures called "Dezh" were erected in an area of about 90-kms stretching from Shalamcheh to Talaiyeh gendarmerie station till 1974. However, the structural and weaponry disintegration of Khorramshahr 151-Dczh battalion coincided with the Iraqi invasion, which offered no opportunity to counter the enemy. Then, Abuzar pre-determined delaying actions were exercised so as to seize sufficient opportunity, and due to remarkable resistance by the 151st Dezh, 165th mechanized, 232nd armor battalions, Khuzestan Gendarmerie units and the civilian forces, the enemy had no choice but resort to another military movement from Husseiniyeh Station towards Ahwaz which Resulted in a 20-km military advance in 3 days. Consequently, the enemy forces managed to reach Ahwaz-Khorramshahr road and threaten Khorramshahr from the north front.
Result:
- Despite a lot of attempts made by Iranian forces, due to the complete annihilation of 232nd battalion and the destruction of major parts of 151st Dezh and 165th mechanized battalions in the village of Mared on October 11th, 1980, the enemy installed a suspension bridge over Karun river and after crossing the bridge, completed the siege of Khorramshahr from the northern front.
- It was quite natural that three battalions enjoying less than their usual %50 combat powers fail to resist against an Iraqi force enjoying the capacity of an armor division. Contrarary to this, the Iraqi forces could, only after 19 days, open a 50-km advance axis towards Abadan, but failed to cross Bahmanshir River and deploy themselves in the north of Abadan.
- In Husseiniyeh area the Iraqi forces could occupy an area of 15-kms in depth in the Iranian territories, but due to tough resistance by the military and civilian forces they failed to enter Ahwaz and then took on a defensive position in Dobb-e-Hardan area close to Ahwaz Steel Plant.
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
The Iraqi Full-fledged Ground Attack
Analysis of the battles from September, 1980 to September, 1981
Concept Behind the Islamic Republic of Iran
