In the early days of the war, the situation in western Iran was dire. Iraqi forces had advanced deep into Iranian territory, capturing strategic towns and cities. Sarpol Zahab, a key location near the Iran-Iraq border, became one of the most fiercely contested areas during the early months of the war. It was in this region that Sohilian carried out many of his most daring and dangerous missions.
On the 21st day of the war, 21 Mehr 1359 (October 13, 1980), Sohilian embarked on what would be his final mission. Alongside his co-pilot, Saadullah Davrzadeh, he flew his Cobra helicopter deep into enemy-controlled territory near Sarpol Zahab. The mission was to repel advancing Iraqi forces and inflict as much damage as possible on the enemy’s tanks and ground troops. Sohilian and his team succeeded in causing heavy casualties and forcing the Iraqis to retreat. However, during the intense combat, an artillery shell struck Sohilian’s helicopter, leading to his and his co-pilot’s martyrdom.