Battle of Garibpur

Significance

The Battle of Garibpur, fought on 20 November 1971, was an early direct engagement between Indian and Pakistani forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War, preceding the formal outbreak of full-scale war between the two countries. Indian troops of the 14th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, supported by PT-76 tanks from the 45 Cavalry, moved to capture areas around Garibpur in Pakistani territory. Pakistani forces launched a counterattack the following day to reclaim the position. The engagement represented one of the first instances of conventional combined-arms combat in the conflict, drawing Indian armor into direct confrontation with Pakistani ground forces and signaling the escalating military involvement that would culminate in full-scale war weeks later.

Tactics

Forces & casualties

Commanders (5)