The Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), one of the longest and bloodiest wars of the 20th century, was the crucible in which Mohammad Baqer Bakhtiar forged his reputation. With Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Iran in September 1980, many regions, especially border provinces like Khuzestan, Ilam, and Kermanshah, became the frontlines of defense.
Bakhtiar, commanding the 114th Brigade of Ilam, was directly involved in organizing resistance in one of the most vulnerable provinces. Ilam, bordering Iraq, was heavily targeted during the war. Civilians bore immense suffering, with frequent bombardments and displacement, while military commanders like Bakhtiar were tasked with both defending the territory and maintaining morale.
Commander of the 114th Brigade of Ilam
As commander of the 114th Brigade, Bakhtiar was responsible for both conventional and irregular warfare. The IRGC, unlike the Iranian Army (Artesh), relied heavily on ideological commitment, guerrilla tactics, and mobilization of volunteers from the Basij force. Under Bakhtiar’s leadership, the brigade participated in defensive operations to halt Iraqi advances and later in counter-offensives that pushed Iraqi forces back across the border.
