Unveiling the Elite Armies of the Iran-Iraq War 1980-88: A Tale of Bravery and Sacrifice

The Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, was one of the deadliest conflicts of the 20th century. It was a war fueled by territorial disputes, political ambitions, and religious differences. Throughout these eight years of intense fighting, both Iran and Iraq deployed elite armies showcasing exceptional military prowess, steadfast dedication, and a fierce determination to protect their nations.

The Iranian Armed Forces: Guardians of the Revolution

Iran's armed forces, heavily influenced by the Islamic Revolution of 1979, consisted of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Basij Resistance Force. These forces played a crucial role in defending Iran from Iraqi aggression and preserving the ideals of the revolution.

Armies of the Iran–Iraq War 1980–88 (Elite)

by Chris McNab (Kindle Edition)

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The IRGC, considered a highly elite force, was involved in numerous major battles throughout the war. Its soldiers were trained extensively in guerrilla tactics, providing them with a strategic advantage over larger Iraqi forces. With their commitment to the cause of defending Iran's Islamic regime, the IRGC became feared adversaries on the battlefield.

The Iraqi Republican Guard: Saddam Hussein's Sword

Led by Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi Republican Guard was the most distinguished unit in the Iraqi Armed Forces during the Iran-Iraq War. Composed of highly trained, well-equipped soldiers, the Republican Guard embodied the pinnacle of Iraq's military strength.

Deployed in critical locations along the border, the Republican Guard launched major offensives against Iranian positions. Their expertise in armored warfare, combined with their loyalty to Saddam Hussein, allowed them to deliver devastating blows to Iranian forces. The Republican Guard became notorious for their resilience in battle and their willingness to sacrifice for their leader's regime.

The Battle for Basra: A Showdown of Elite Forces

The Battle for Basra, fought in 1987, was a significant turning point in the Iran-Iraq War. Both Iran and Iraq deployed their elite forces in a bid to gain control of this vital city. It became a brutal battlefield, with countless lives lost on both sides.

The IRGC, applying their guerrilla warfare techniques, launched a series of surprise attacks on Iraqi positions surrounding Basra. The Republican Guard, fiercely defending the city, responded with heavy artillery and armored units. The battle raged on for months, resulting in immense casualties.

Legacy and Impact

The Iran-Iraq War ended in 1988 with neither side achieving a decisive victory. The conflict left a significant mark on both nations and the region as a whole. The elite armies of Iran and Iraq demonstrated unwavering determination, courage, and sacrifice throughout the war, earning the respect and admiration of their respective nations.

It is important to remember the bravery and sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in the Iran-Iraq War. Their dedication to defending their nations and upholding their ideologies serves as a reminder of the human spirit's resilience even in the face of immense adversity.

In

The elite armies of the Iran-Iraq War 1980-88 will forever be remembered for their unwavering commitment to their nations. Whether it was the IRGC defending Iran's Islamic revolution or the Republican Guard safeguarding Saddam Hussein's regime, their bravery and sacrifice in battle were truly remarkable. The legacy of these elite forces serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for courage and resilience.

Armies of the Iran–Iraq War 1980–88 (Elite)

by Chris McNab (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25707 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	63 pages

FREE

Driven by the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the insecurities it provoked in Saddam Hussein's Iraqi dictatorship, the Iran–Iraq War would become the largest conventional conflict of the period. Curiously little-known considering its scale and longevity, the struggle between Iran and Iraq was primarily fought along the 1,458km border in a series of battles which, despite both sides being armed with modern small arms, armour and aircraft, often degenerated into attritional struggles reminiscent of World War I. Such a comparison was underlined by frequent periods of deadlock, the extensive use of trenches by both sides, and the deployment of chemical weapons by Iraq. Fully illustrated with specially commissioned artwork, this study investigates the organization, appearance and equipment of the ground forces of both sides in the Iran–Iraq War, including Iraq's Republican Guards and Iran's Pasdaran or Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The war resulted in stalemate with some half a million dead and at least as many wounded. The financial costs incurred in waging such a long and debilitating war were one of the spurs that led Saddam Hussein to invade Kuwait barely two years later, setting in motion one of the defining currents of recent Middle-Eastern history.