|
|
Article: Iraq Stops Iran; War of Attrition Seen Likely
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- February 9, 1987
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
|
Iraqi Army counterattacks last week routed Iranian forces from
some positions just east of Basra but failed to dislodge the bulk of
Iran's assault force occupying Iraqi territory, according to military
analysts.
An Iranian military communique reported that 700 Iraqis were
killed or wounded during the weekend when Iraqi forces mounted a
two-pronged counterattack against Iranian forces besieging the
southern port city of Basra. The hand-to-hand fighting reportedly
was supported on the Iraqi side by tanks and heavy artillery.
Western military analysts credit the Iraqi counterattacks, which
began a week ago, with a rout of Iranian attackers from the western
banks of Fish Lake, a canal-like ...