Operation Dawn 3

Operation Dawn 3 or Operation Valfajr-3 (Arabic: عملیه الفجر-۳) was an operation during the Iran–Iraq War. The operation was launched in the range of "semi-extensive operation" located in the general area of Mehran (in Ilam Province); and eventually led to the liberation of Mehran by Iranian forces. Iran's goals of the operation were as follows: Liberation of Mehran city from the eye/range of the enemy Making facility in the relation of "Dehloran–Mehran" and also "Ilam–Mehran" Modulation of defense lines against the enemy (Iraq), and pulling it from the heights to plain(s). It was Iran's worst defeat out of all the Dawn operations. Around 180,000 Iranian troops participated in this offensive, which targeted the central front in the region of Mehran. However, withering Iraqi firepower in support of deeply entrenched troops slaughtered the advancing Iranians. Although Iranian troops were highly motivated, they were poorly trained and equipped for this battle. For Iran, the operation was a disaster. The Iraqis struck back by emerging from their trenches to counterattack into Iran and capture Mehran, for the second time.