CASUALTY RECORD // November 1, 1983
Operation Dawn-4
Estimated casualties — killed, wounded, captured, and missing — by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Casualties by side
2 sides catalogued · combined 7,800 estimated
Iraq
2,800
Medium-confidence figure
Iran
5,000
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
Operation Dawn-4 was an Iranian offensive launched in October 1983 during the Iran–Iraq War that resulted in Iran capturing a small amount of Iraqi territory. The operation produced notable casualties on both sides, with Iraq suffering approximately 2,800 and Iran approximately 5,000, suggesting the territorial gain came at a disproportionate cost to the attacker. Within the broader pattern of the war, the operation reflected Iran's persistent strategic posture of offensive ground pressure aimed at steadily eroding Iraqi-held positions, though the limited territorial results indicate the operation achieved only marginal strategic effect.
‹ Full battle dossier