Battle of Mount Handrin

The Battle of Mount Handrin, which took place in May 1966, stands as a significant event within the context of the First Iraqi-Kurdish War. This engagement is widely regarded as one of the pivotal moments of the conflict. Led by Mustafa Barzani, the Kurdish Force achieved a decisive victory over the Iraqi Army commanded by Abdul Rahman Arif. The battle resulted in substantial losses for the Iraqi side, with two infantry brigades being effectively decimated. In contrast, Kurdish casualties remained minimal, underscoring the strategic prowess and effectiveness of their leadership and tactics.

Battle of Mount Handrin
Part of the First Iraqi–Kurdish War
Mount Handrin In Rawandiz
Date May 1966 Location East of Rawandiz, Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan 36°34′16.4″N 44°36′52.9″E Result Kurdish victory[1][2]
Belligerents
KDP Supported by: Iran  Israel[3]	Iraqi Republic (1958–1968)
Commanders and leaders
Mustafa Barzani Ahmed Barzani Ali Askari Ibrahim Ahmad	Abdul Rahman Arif
Strength
6,000–8,000[1][2]	25,000[1][2]
Casualties and losses
	4,000+ killed or wounded 2 Entire Iraqi Brigades Destroyed[1][2]

Background

In November 1963, amidst significant internal discord within the Ba'athist regime, Abdul Salam Arif orchestrated a coup that led to the ousting of the Ba'athists from power. Subsequently, following a failed offensive against the Kurds, Arif declared a ceasefire in February 1964. This move sparked a division within Kurdish ranks, with urban radicals on one side and Peshmerga forces, under the leadership of Mustafa Barzani, on the other. Barzani ultimately agreed to the ceasefire and purged the radicals from the party. However, with the unexpected passing of Arif, his brother Abdul Rahman Arif assumed leadership and the Iraqi government launched a final campaign to subdue the Kurds. This effort culminated in May 1966 with the Battle of Mount Handrin, near Rawanduz, where Barzani's forces decisively defeated the Iraqi Army. It is recounted that during this battle, the Kurds inflicted significant casualties, including the alleged annihilation of an entire Iraqi brigade.^{[1][page needed][2][page needed]}

Battle

The Kurds benefited from intelligence support provided by the Israeli Mossad and received military guidance from advisers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This collaboration afforded the Kurdish forces a significant advantage, particularly given the rugged and challenging mountainous terrain of the region, coupled with their access to valuable intelligence. The Battle of Mount Handrin commenced with an Iraqi frontal assault aimed at breaking through Kurdish defenses and seizing control of Rawandiz. However, the Kurds had anticipated this strategy and had prepared accordingly. As the battle unfolded, the Iraqi forces managed to achieve a breakthrough, but the Kurds swiftly executed a planned countermove. Exploiting their tactical advantage, the Kurds implemented a Pincer Maneuver, isolating and encircling two brigades of the Iraqi 2nd Division. In the ensuing engagement, the Kurdish forces effectively neutralized the Iraqi brigades, leading to their complete destruction and compelling the Iraqi troops to retreat from the battlefield.^{[1][page needed][2][page needed]}

References

1. O'Ballance, Edgar (1973). The Kurdish Revolt, 1961–1970. London: Faber and Faber. ISBN 0-571-09905-X.
2. Pollack, Kenneth M. (2002). Arabs at War. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. ISBN 0-8032-3733-2.
3. Michael G. Lortz. (Chapter 1, Introduction). The Kurdish Warrior Tradition and the Importance of the Peshmerga. pp.39–42.