Operation Dawn 2

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Operation Dawn 2, also called Operation Valfajr-2, was an Iranian offensive on the northern front of the Iran–Iraq War. It took place from July 22 to July 24, 1983, in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iran, with help from Kurdish rebels and some support from Turkey, aimed to capture Haj Omran, a border town in rugged terrain.

The fighting began with Iranian forces advancing from Piranshahr and quickly capturing Haj Omran. Using elevated ridges, Iranian and Kurdish fighters ambushed Iraqi units and convoys, capturing about 150 square miles of territory.

Iraq launched a counterattack, including an airborne assault and, for the first time in the war, the use of mustard gas. The difficult terrain slowed Iraqi tanks, and helicopter gunships struggled to operate effectively, while Iranian and Kurdish fighters had strong defensive positions.

The result was an Iranian victory: Haj Omran and the surrounding highlands remained under Iranian control, expanding Iran’s foothold in the northern front.