Operation Dawn 5

As 1984 began, Iran launched the largest offensive up to that date Operation Dawn V, also known as Operation Dawn 5 or Operation Valfajr-5 (Persian). The goal of the offensive was to split the Iraqi 4th Army Corps and 6th Army Corps between Basra and Qurna, and if successful, move on the suburbs or even the city of Basra itself. It was fought between the Pasdaran, Basij and the Iraqi Army. In the early phase, a force of an estimated 100,000-150,000 Pasdaran and Basij, using small motorboats and then on foot moved towards the objective, then attacked using human wave tactics and in places came within a few kilometers of the strategic Basra–Baghdad highway. However the Iranians lacked artillery, air support and armored protection, while the Iraqis were well equipped and entrenched in strong fortified positions.[1] The armies inflicted severe casualties on each other and the Iranians failed to achieve their objective. This operation was the biggest of the Dawn operations.

Operation Dawn V
Part of Iran–Iraq War
Date Early 1984 Location Basra, Southeast Iraq Result Iraqi victory Minor tactical Iranian victory (Iran fails their objective but makes small gains over useless land) Defensive Iraqi victory (Iraq holds on to the city of Basra) Iranians get within artillery range of Basra Territorial changes Iraq holds on to the city of Basra
Belligerents
Iraq	Iran
Strength
2 Army Corps (approx; 90,000–100,000 soldiers)	100,000-150,000 Pasdaran and Basij
Casualties and losses
25,000	50,000