New gains againts Iraq claimed by Iranian forces

January 7, 1981

Iran claimed new successes in its revived war with Iraq, but there was little independent evidence to confirm a major counteroffensive to drive enemy forces from its soil. A communique from the joint staff said 800 Iraqis were captured near Ahwaz, capital of Khuzestan. Iraq confirmed that there was heavy fighting, and said that the Iranians were retreati ng.