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 Iranian jets |
On September 22, 1980, a war-experienced Iraq initiated massive air strikes on strategic locations in the newly-established Islamic Republic of Iran in the hope of crippling the country's Air Force and gaining air supremacy.
At 1:45 pm local time, 6 Mig-23 fighter jets bombarded an airbase near Ahvaz in Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan.
 Iraqi jets attacking Iran on September 22, 1980 |
While the Iraqi assault yielded a mere 5-bomber casualty on Saddam's side, Iran was gearing up for a unique show of Air Force might.
Designing Operation Kaman 99, personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) were wide awake through the night as they worked on a 99-page military plan while MK-82, 83, 84 and cluster bombs as well as Maverick and heat-seeking missiles were mounted on Iranian aircraft.
During the night, pilots were summoned to their respective airbases and briefed on their missions, how and where to cross the border, where to make emergency landings and how to refuel.
As dawn broke and operation code 'Kaman 99' was dispatched all around the country, 40 F-4E Phantoms one after another took to the skies of Hamadan Airfield. The airbase was never before the scene of such a wide-scale operation.
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Al-Rashid, al-Habbaniyah, al-Kut airbases near Baghdad were stormed as the swarm of fighter jets divided into several groups to better accomplish their missions.
Meanwhile, high-tech bombs and missiles were mounted on 8 more F-4s. After taking off from the Iranian capital of Tehran and entering the vicinity of Baghdad, they launched a second wave of attacks and pounded Al-Rashid Airbase. The main airstrips, buildings and machinery were devastated.
Mosul Airbase in northern Iraq was also cratered after the IRIAF sent off 48 F-5E Tiger II aircraft from the northwestern city of Tabriz to launch airstrikes against it.
Nasiriyah Airbase in southern Iraq was also the scene of a swift attack by 40 F-5Es and was heavily damaged.
 Iranian F-14s |
In a sudden turn of events, Saddam Hussein who invaded Iran believing that he could secure a comfortable victory against the country because of its assumed Air Force vulnerabilities was dealt a heavy blow. According to Tehran, the West-backed dictator's aerial efficacy was reduced by 55 percent.
Operation Kaman 99 was considered a huge success and was seen as a miracle by both people inside and outside Iran. Pictures were taken of Iranian Phantoms maneuvering between Baghdad buildings as low as 4 meters above the ground, provoking fears in Iraq of further retaliatory strikes.
The word 'Kaman' means bow as in a bow and arrow but was inspired by Persian mythology. It is related that at the end of the war between Iran and Turan, Turanian forces had advanced close to Mount Damavand.
Damavand in Iranian mythology is the very heart and center of residence of the Iranian people. This center which was far larger than present Iran, was reputed to have the best soil, most moderate weather and the greatest of people.
However, to the east of the Iranian plateau lay the vast expanses of the wintry Southern Siberia where the nomadic and covetous Turanians lived. The story of early Iranian civilizations is that of survival against Turan.
The humiliation of conquest would be complete with a Turanian proposal to limit Iran to the radius of an arrow's flight from the cherished Damavand. Iranians were to shoot an arrow toward Turan and wherever the arrow landed, the new border between Iran and Turan would be drawn.
 A statue of Arash Kamangir |
Volunteering to shoot the arrow was elderly Arash Kamangir, who strained his bow as never before, let the arrow fly and it is said that he became one with the arrow and disappeared. The arrow flew the entire morning and fell at noon on the far bank of the Oxus River in what is now Central Asia.
Although Arash's body was never found, there are still stories from travelers who say they had heard his voice when lost in the mountains, helping them find their way, thus saving their lives.
Arash Kamangir is a symbol of Iranian determination not to capitulate to the humiliation of one taking away what is most cherished. His story is a lesson in perseverance and standing one's ground.
In Operation Kaman 99 what is most stunning is that after coming under a Pearl Harbor-like attack, the Iranian nation strained their bow like never before to penetrate deep within Iraqi territory, furiously destroying targets and wreaking havoc in the farthest possible distances within the hostile country.
 Iranian soldiers march in a parade on the National Army Day |
Iranians will always remember Operation Kaman 99. It can be recalled whenever necessary to remind possible invaders that when it comes to Iran, strategic calculations and being backed by world powers do not necessarily mean much.
Facts regarding the events of September 22 and 23, 1980 were derived from information provided by the Foundation for the Remembrance of the Holy Defense. If you would like to contact the writer please write to eastman@presstv.ir
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail.aspx?id=52115§ionid=3510304
