On the morning of April 24, 1974, the Iraqi army launched its offensive against the Kurdish resistance, employing all its available resources on the battlefield with the objective of advancing and occupying all of Kurdistan. On April 25, 1974, a portion of the forces attempted to advance towards Sangaw and seize it before reaching Chamchamal via the Kirkuk-Sulaimaniyah route. This force consisted of the 2nd Regiment of the 4th Brigade of the 2nd Division – Kirkuk, in conjunction with a tank battalion leading the charge. The Iraqi army was unaware that the Peshmerga of the 1st Regiment of the 2nd Brigade – Kirkuk would confront them with exceptional bravery and high morale.
The Peshmerga forces were entrenched and fortified in the Shiwa Sur area and in a tight defensive position. They were like a solid structure in front of the advancing Iraqi forces. In addition, the Peshmerga planted anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in front of the Iraqi army. When the battle began, a number of Iraqi army tanks were destroyed. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Dhiaa Al-Din Jamal, commander of the Second Regiment, ordered that the advance of the tanks in the front be stopped except in necessary cases.
As the army's infantry continued their advance, they were suddenly met with Peshmerga rifle fire and mines. After eight hours of continuous fighting, the Iraqi army suffered heavy losses against the Peshmerga defenses. Dozens of soldiers were killed and others wounded, including the regiment commander's personal guard. Material losses included the destruction of six tanks, three armored vehicles, and several other military vehicles. Large quantities of light and medium weapons were also captured.
Sources:
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Sahnagher Ebrahim Khishnaw: “Woodawah Sahrbazikani Shih Eyilul 1970-1975”, “Chapi Yehchem”, Haholer, 2022.
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Karwan Gohar Muhammad: Idris Barzani 1944-1987
