IRAQ/IRAN MILITARY SUMMARY (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T01782R000200260001-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 29
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 30, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: October 1, 1980
• Content Type: REPORT

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Secret
Imagery analysis report
Iraq/Iran Military Summary
Secret
Z-20142/80
IAR-0276/80
OCTOBER 1980
copy 16 7
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SECRET
IRAQ/IRAN MILITARY SUMMARY
1. (S/D) This report updates the most recent' in a series of imagery-derived reports on the Iraq/Iran
conflict and covers the period from The report discusses deployed ground forces in the
forward area (Figure 1), rear garrison units, airfields, naval bases, commercial shipping, POL facilities, the
Nuclear Research Center in Baghdad, and related air activity in Libya. Military unit designators and subordina-
tion (where used) are derived from collateral sources.' Additional reports will be issued as the situation changes.
2. (S/D) Imagery of the forward areas of conflict on
continued to show the Iraqi 25X1
forces in the Khorramshahr area on the outskirts of the town.
3. (S /D) Iraqi and Iranian force positions remained essentially unchanged west and southwest of Ahvaz
between However, an Iranian force was observed under attack northwest of the city. Evidence
of Iranian forces receiving reinforcements was seen on
4. (S/D) The position of the Iranian forces in the Dezful area remained unchanged on The
Iraqi forces in the Dezful area were not imaged. In the Qasr-E Shirin area, Iraqi forces had advanced to within 3
nautical miles (nm) of the Iranian city of Pol-E Zahab. A second Iraqi force was operating southeast of Qasr-E
Shirin towards Gilan-E Gharb in Iran.
5. (S/D) Six Iraqi and seven Iranian rear area garrisons were imaged during the period. Iraqi units
remained out of garrison. At three Iranian installations, two in Kermanshah and one in Shahabad, units had
departed.
6. (S/D) Four Iraqi and 13 Iranian airfields were imaged. Increased air defense equipment was deployed
at K-I Airfield in Iraq. In Iran, Abadan Airfield International remained damaged and nonoperational. The
Iraqi bomber base at Al Tagaddum and the Iranian F-14 bases at Shiraz International and at Khatami AB
Airfield were not imaged.
7. (S/D) One Iraqi and three Iranian naval facilities were covered with no battle damage evident.
8. (S/D) Twenty-three POL facilities in Iraq and 17 in Iran were imaged. New battle damage was evident
at two Iraqi and two Iranian facilities.
9. (S/D) Related activity included a significant concealment effort at the Baghdad Nuclear Research
Center and the presence of two Iranian 747 aircraft at an airfield in Libya.
GROUND FORCE ACTIVITY
Iraq/Iran Forward Area
10. (S/D) One Iraqi tank platoon and two mechanized infantry battalions were deployed on an east-west
axis 4 nm north of Khorramshahr on Figure 2). One Iraqi field artillery (FA) battalion and one FA
battery-plus (7 FA) had moved 3 nm closer to Khorramshahr in support of the ground forces. A second
concentration of artillery, consisting of an FA battalion-plus, was 4 nm southwest of the city on the west hank
of the Shatt Al Arab in Iraq.
11. (S/D) Although Iranian infantry were probably in the Khorramshahr area, the only Iranian ground
force unit observed consisted of one FA battery (4 FA) on the northeast edge of Abadan.
12. (S/D) Iraqi ground forces were deployed 10 to 17 nm west and southwest of Ahvaz on
(Figure 3). These forces included maneuver elements of five mechanized infantry battalions-minus one mecha-
nized infantry company, one tank battalion-minus one tank company, one tank platoon, four FA battalions,
and two air defense batteries (antiaircraft-AA-guns). Iraqi positions remained relatively unchanged since F
except for the repositioning of two of the mechanized infantry battalions-minus.
13. (S/D) Iranian ground forces continued to be deployed west and southwest of Ahvaz on
These forces consisted of one tank platoon, one understrength tank platoon, a mechanized infantry platoon, and
a self-propelled (SP) gun battalion. Evidence of incoming artillery fire was observed throughout Iranian posi-
tions west of the city. In addition, one SP gun battery (four M 107) was observed for the first time deployed on
the northwest outskirts of Ahvaz on
into the Ahvaz area.
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14. (S/D) A second Iranian force consisting of two tank battalions-minus and two understrength M107
SP gun batteries was deployed along a road 33 nm northwest of Ahvaz. This Iranian force appeared to have
recently redeployed to this area from positions 5 nm further to the northwest, leaving behind at least ten
destroyed armor vehicles. The Iranian positions were receiving heavy shell fire. No Iraqi forces were observed
between the Iranian positions and the limits of imagery ono
15. (S/D) Major elements of the 1st Armor Brigade and other divisional-level elements of the 92d Armor
Division remained out of garrison at Ahvaz Barracks Storage Depot Brigade and Division Headquarters (BE
The equipment that remained in garrison after major elements had departed by0 25X1
line on a piecemeal basis. Evidence of bomb damage and secondary explosions was 25X1
observed at the adjacent ammunition storage depot on Figure 4). 25X1
16. (S/D) Major elements of the two tank battalions and two mechanized infantry battalions of the 3d
Armor Brigade departed Hamidiyah Army Barracks Those 25X1
elements remaining included two tank platoons and two mechanized infantry companies. One understrength
mechanized infantry company was deployed on a ridgeline in the nearby training area.
17. (S/D) Ahvaz Hawk Site 12 7 nm northwest of Ahvaz, and Ahvaz Hawk Site 10 25X1
6 nm south of the city, were unoccupied. 25X1
18. (S/D) The only Iraqi forces imaged during the reporting period were a combat unit consisting of one
T-55-equipped tank battalion, one BTR-60-equipped mechanized infantry company, one FA battery, one engi-
neer unit, and their support equipment deployed approximately 50 nm southwest of Dezful in revetments in the
Buzurgan oilfield (Figure 5).
19. (S/D) Iranian forces were still in control of Dezful, and no major new damage to the city and bridges
was observed on partial coverage of Figure 6). Maneuver elements of two understrength Iranian 25X1
tank battalions of the tank brigade, previously reported 7 nm west northwest of Dezful, had not moved since 25X1
wo M 109 SP gun batteries, one FA battery, and two understrength FA batteries had also remained in 25X1
their previous positions. In addition, an Iranian tank platoon and 55 trucks were dispersed in ravines 9.5 nm
north of Dezful in an area not previously imaged.
20. (S/D) At Dezful Barracks and Brigade Headquarters no change in equipment or 25X1
activity levels or battle damage was observed. Maneuver elements of two tank companies and at least one M 109
SP gun battery (6 SP guns) were still in garrison.
21. (S/D) Dezful Hawk Site 2 A24-35 2 nm south of Dezful, remained occupied, and 25X1
missiles were on all six launchers.
22. (S/D) Elements of an Iraqi understrength probable mechanized infantry brigade supported by an FA
battalion and three FA batteries had advanced 15 nm into Iran to a point 3 nm west-northwest of Pol-E Zahab
by (Figure 7). Opposing Iranian forces in the vicinity consisted of a tank company-plus. On F 25X1
~two tank companies and an M109 SP gun battery had been observed deployed 7 nm east- 25X1
southeast of Pol-E Zahab, probably as a reserve force.
23. (S/D) A second Iraqi force was observed 6 nm southeast of Qasr-E Shirin at 34-25-OON 045-38-OE on
This force consisted of a tank company, a mechanized infantry company, and one SA-6 surface-to- 25X1
air missile (SAM) battalion with two FA battalions and an FA battalion-minus deployed along the valley road
leading southeast to Gilan-E Gharb. This artillery may have been deployed in support of an Iraqi armor brigade
(not imaged) advancing towards Gilan-E Gharb. Also, an Iraqi reserve force consisting of an understrength
Iraqi tank platoon and a mechanized infantry platoon supported by an understren th FA battery (3 guns) had
taken up positions along the Iraq/Iran border, 18 nm south of Qasr-E Shirin on 25X1
24. (S/D) Iranian forces observed onOI I nm south-southeast of Pol-E Zahab, were deployed 25X1
in a valley adjacent to the one occupied by the Iraqi forces, and consisted of two tank platoons and two M 109
SP gun batteries. One additional M109 SP gun platoon (one gun) and a UH-1 helicopter were observed,
probably conducting registration fire, on a mountain pass which separated the Iraqi and Iranian forces in this
area.
25. (S/D) Elements of the Iranian 3d Armor Brigade remained in arrison at Sar-E Pol-E Zahab Barracks
and Brigade Headquarters and Depot These elements consisted of one tank 25X1
battalion and one mechanized infantry battalion. Support units were dispersed in and around the brigade
headquarters.
Iraq
26. (S/D) In the Al Basrah area, a company of armored personnel carriers (APC) was deployed 4.3 nm
north-northeast of Al Basrah at 30-36-30N 047-47-50E on 10 October. In addition, two SA-6 battalions were
deployed in this area on One battalion was 5.5 nm north-northeast of Al Basrah at 30-37-55N 047- 25X1
51-20E and the second was battalion 9.5 nm east of Al Basrah at 30-30-25N 047-58-05E ono 25X1
(Continued p. 9)
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 SYRIA
TURKEY
MOSUL
KIRKUK
KHANAGIN
J ,y
Nuclear
BAGHDAD
AL BASRAH
See Fig
HVAZ
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See
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SHAHPUR .
KHARK p
ISLAND
ABADAN
ESFAHAN
BU~H,H)
PERSIAN GULF
FIGURE 1. IRAQI/IRANIAN GROUND FORCES ACTIVITY
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KERMA S1AH
AN NASIRIYAH
HAMAD AN
0
STRAIT OF
HORMUZ
MASH H' t
~ E
ZAHEDAN ~?.
AFGHANISTAN
CHAH
BAHAR
GULF OF OMAN
PAKISTAN
l4R-Oli6/SO
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`\ .
Squad
0
Section
n Platoon
FLICompany/
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Brigade
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IRAQI
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mnnl~ DIRECTION OF ADVANCE
Z-20/42180
FIGURE 2. GROUND FORCES ACTIVITY IN THE KHORRAMSHAHR, IRAN, AREA ON
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al Hsi Mahmul
Ad Durafr
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27. (S/D) In the Az Zubayr area, the three major installations housing the 5th Mechanized Infantr
Division were seen on Q Major elements of the division, reported out of garrison on
25X1
remained out of garrison at Az Zubayr Barracks and Bri ade Headquarters South at Az
25X1
Zubayr Barracks and Brigade Headquarters Southeast
and at Az Zubayr Barracks and
25X1
Division Headquarters Ash Shuaybah
25X1
28. (S/D) In the Kirkuk area at Kirkuk SAM Support Facility North
25X1
I I SA-3 transporters were in newly constructed revetments and at least 200 SA-3 canisters were observed. Three
ZU-23 AA sites were at the facility and elements of a heavy-lift battalion (40-ton trailers and trucks) were
dispersed adjacent to the installation. Extensive grading was evident throughout the facility.
29. (S/D) In the Khanaqin area, approximately 60 trucks were dispersed in revetments throughout Sayyid
Saqiq Military Camp 25X1
30. (S/D) In west-central Iran, major elements (approximately 32 tanks) of the remaining M-60-equipped
tank battalion, minor elements (approximately 50 APC) of three BMP/BTR-50-equipped mechanized infantry
battalions, and the headquarters unit (three BTR-50 APC) of the M109-Al-equipped artillery battalion departed
Shahabad Barracks Depot and Brigade Headquarters , 31 rim southwest of Kermanshah, 25X1
between 25X1
31. (S/D) Twelve M-60 tanks and 21, probably derelict, M-47 tanks remained in garrison. The other tank
battalion garrisoned there had departed prior to~ Major elements (approximately 120 APC) of the three
mechanized infantry battalions had been dispersed throughout the installation by The presence or
absence of the artillery battalion could not be determined. In addition, three MAZ-537 prime movers and five
60-ton trailers (three with armored vehicles) were in the northern portion of the installation.
32. (S/D) One PMP ponton bridge company had departed Kermanshah Barracks Depot Division and
25X1
25X1
Brigade Headquarters Also, I I trucks with small 25X1
trailers were in convoy formation in the south end of the garrison, and six trucks were in convoy formation in
the center of the garrison on Those units remaining in garrison included two mechanized infantry 25X1
companies, one transport battalion, one engineer battalion and approximately 420 trucks. At least 12 vehicles in
garrison were net covered. Twenty-four trucks and 11 possible vehicles were in two ravines approximately 2 nni
east of the garrison.
33. (S/D) No battle damage was observed at Hajjibad Barracks and Brigade Headquarters 0 25X1
13 nm east of Kermanshah on 0 This installation houses the 2d Armor Brigade of the 81st 25X1
Armor Division. One tank platoon, one mechanized infantry platoon, and approximately 20 trucks departed the
garrison between Those units remaining in garrison included elements of a tank 25X1
battalion, elements of a mechanized infantry battalion, seven tank transporters, and approximately 170 trucks.
34. (S/D) In northwest Iran, 15 cargo trucks and nine 60-ton transporters remained dispersed throughout
Tabriz Barracks and Training Center 25X1
35. (S/D) Three probable AB-214 helicopter were at Tehran Barracks and National Defense University
Qasr-E Qajar 25X1
36. (S/D) In Qom City, six possible armored vehicles and nine probable trucks were on flatcars in Qom
Railroad Station Yards and Shops 25X1
37. (S/D) In northeast Iran in the Mashhad area, major elements of the tank battalion, the 105mm
howitzer battalion, and the AA artillery battalion were still absent from Mashhad Barracks Storage Depot
Division and Brigade Headquarter The heavy-lift unit and from 17 to 20 25X1
probable M-47 tanks remained in garrison.
Iraq
38. (S/D) Four Iraqi airfields were imaged during the period (Figure 8 and Table I). Significant activity
was observed at K-1 Airfield. Sincthree possible SA-9 and two ZU-23 AA sites were deployed 25X1
around the perimeter of the airfield. No new damage was observed; however, runwa resurfacing was underway.
There was no imagery of the major Iraqi bomber base at Al Taqaddum Airfield or of H-3 25X1
Airfield of Mosul Airfield or of Rasheed Airfiel 25X1
39. (S/D) Thirteen Iranian airfields (Table 1) were imaged during the reporting period, including airfields
in two of the primary battle areas. In the Dezful area, no new battle damage was observed at Vahdati AB
Airfield on All fixed-wing aircraft had departed between
40. (S/D) Both runways remained damaged and blocked, and at least two hangars had sustained battle
damage at Abadan Airfield International on
(Continued p. 15)
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 = Squad
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Aerial ob
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(+)equates to one additional maneuver
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(-)equates to one less maneuver
element
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I R ACS
BUZURGAN
OILFIELD
Zaveyeh.ye i
(. al eh-ye tiasaneyan
Qabre Seyyed Iaher
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FIGURE 5. GROUND FORCES ACTIVITY, BUZURGAN OILFIELD, IRAQ, ON
FIGURE 6. GROUND FORCES ACTIVITY IN THE DEZFUL, IRAN, AREA ON
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