Fighting reported near Basra in Iraq

From: Chicago Sun-Times | Date: December 21, 1987 | Copyright information

Iran and Iraq reported Sunday that their armies had clashed near the southern Iraqi city of Basra, but the reports differed sharply about the outcome of the fighting.

It was difficult to determine the scope of the battle from the communiques issued by the two sides, but they suggested the fighting was on a small scale.

Western military analysts have been reporting for weeks that Iran has carried out a buildup southeast of Basra. They predicted a major offensive in the next ...

Read all of this article with a FREE trial to HighBeam Research

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles from HighBeam Research

Iran's Drive on Basra Seen a Tactical Success; Observers Note Attackers' Hold on Terrain
The Washington Post ; Military analysts here, noting signs that Iran's 16-day-old military thrust toward Basra has stalled, say they consider the Iranian showing a success even if it fails to reach the strategic Iraqi port on the disputed Shatt al Arab waterway. A final verdict on the offensive will hinge on whether the
Iran's growing influence in Iraq raises concerns.
The Dallas Morning News (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service) ; Byline: Tod Robberson BASRA, Iraq _ The prominently displayed posters around Basra of Iran's revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, are only one reason why many residents are anxious about a growing Iranian influence in Iraq's southernmost city. Concerns are spreading that Shiite Muslim
Impact of bloody Basra battle uncertain
Chicago Sun-Times ; WASHINGTON "Ten thousand dead in a week, almost 30,000 dead in three weeks," said an awed State Department official. "The battle for Basra has been about the bloodiest since Verdun." In fact, Verdun, the nine-month World War I battle in France that cost almost a million dead and wounded, still far
In Basra, threats stalk elections.
Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) ; Byline: Paul Salopek BASRA, Iraq _ Halal Naim al-Musawi wanted to be absolutely clear: The reports of Iranian infiltration in this strategic Iraqi city were exaggerated. Americans are obsessed with the secret hand of Iran, said al-Musawi, a leader of the Master of the Martyrs, one of the murky
Troops near Basra in Iraq, Iran says
Chicago Sun-Times ; Iran said yesterday its invasion force had broken through enemy defenses and crossed a strategic river six miles east of Basra in the offensive aimed at laying siege to Iraq's second-largest city. Reports from Tehran also said the capture of four more islands in the Shatt al-Arab waterway was