Iran is marking the 37th anniversary of the liberation of the southwestern city of Khorramshahr from the ex-Iraqi dictator’s regime forces.

Iran Press/Iran News: More than 500 local ceremonies and 32 national ceremonies are scheduled to be held marking the liberation of the port city of Khorramshahr according to Iran Press.

Iranian forces recaptured the strategic port city during landmark operation code-named Beit ol-Moqaddas in 1982, putting an end to over 500 days of the Iraqi occupation.

During the weeks-long operation, some 6,000 Iranian soldiers were martyred and nearly 24,000 others injured.

Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein launched the war with the support of major powers and their allies in the region in 1980, a year after the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

The war drew to a close in August 1988, when Iran accepted UN Security Council Resolution 598 which declared Saddam as the initiator of the conflict.

During the eight-year-long war, Iraq received all-out support from over twenty countries led by the United States. 101/208

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Plans to commemorate the 37th anniversary of liberation of Khorramshahr

Photos: Remains of martyrs arrive in Khorramshahr