Liberation of Khorramshahr

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 Beit ol-Moqaddas. It is perceived as a turning point in the war and the liberation is celebrated in Iran on its anniversary, 24 May.

The battle
The city remained in Iraqi hands until April 1982, when the Iranians launched Operation Beit ol-Moqaddas to recapture the Khuzestan province. The first attack (from April 24 to May 12) utilized approximately 70,000 army troops and Pasdaran (members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) that succeeded in pushing the Iraqi forces out of the Ahvaz-Susangerd area. The Iraqis withdrew back to Khorramshahr and, on May 20th, launched an unsuccessful counterattack against the Iranians. An all-out assault on Khorramshahr was then launched by Iran, which captured two of 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, surrounded the city and began a 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 approximately 19,000 soldiers from a demoralized Iraqi Army. On the other hand, Saddam Hussein was shocked and infuriated by the defeat in Khorramshahr, ordering the execution of a number of top Iraqi officers responsible for the defense of the city.

Iranians celebrate the anniversary of Liberation of Khorramshahr every year.