Seven years since epic battle of Perde - how Kurdish Peshmerga's brave stand halted Iraq's advance
The battle demonstrated Kurdistan's unwavering resolve, embodying their motto "We Shall Not Bow Down" in the face of adversity.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Today marks the seventh anniversary of the historic Battle of Perde, where Kurdish Peshmerga forces, despite being vastly outnumbered, successfully repelled a major Iraqi military offensive that threatened to encroach further into Kurdistan Region territory.
On Oct. 20, 2017, just four days after the calamitous and treasonous events of Oct. 16, Kurdish Peshmerga forces faced off against Iraqi military and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in what would become a defining moment of resistance.
The battle demonstrated Kurdistan's unwavering resolve, embodying their motto "We Shall Not Bow Down" in the face of adversity.
The confrontation began at 7 AM when approximately 12,000 Iraqi soldiers and PMF fighters launched a coordinated assault. Despite facing sophisticated sniper fire that made movement extremely difficult, Peshmerga forces, though significantly outnumbered, managed to execute effective counter-attacks.
Within the first two hours, Peshmerga forces destroyed four Iraqi army tanks and vehicles. Iraqi forces attempted to breach Peshmerga defensive lines from three directions simultaneously.
As the battle intensified, Peshmerga commanders adapted their tactics, employing small mobile units to outmaneuver the larger Iraqi force.
Intelligence reports later revealed that a neighboring country was providing real-time intelligence to Iraqi and PMF forces.
However, the Peshmerga's tactical flexibility and determination proved decisive. After less than four hours of fighting, Kurdish forces destroyed an Abrams tank operated by PMF forces, dealing a significant blow to enemy morale.
The 10-hour battle resulted in 155 Iraqi soldiers and militia members killed, with 10 additional tanks and armored vehicles destroyed. The Peshmerga's successful defense not only halted the advance but forced a partial retreat of Iraqi forces, effectively ending their proclaimed march toward Erbil.
This victory, achieved under direct orders from President Barzani to defend Kurdish soil, has become another proud chapter in Kurdistan's liberation struggle, demonstrating once again the region's determination to protect its territory and rights against overwhelming odds.