Air Raid to Al-Waleed (35)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

The result of air raiding to the three bases of northern, eastern, and southern al-Waleed was destruction of more than 48 different types of aircrafts such as, Tu-22, Tu-16, MiG-23, Su-20 and other types of aircrafts and key equipment, plus several types of helicopters and some radar systems which had been deployed to Al-Waleed to avoid air strikes. The incident became the major news of media very soon and was considered at the farthest region around the world. The most important aspect of it was the state of traversing such a long route, given the available equipment and the heavy conditions of the time.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (34)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

"I turned on the radar a moment near the meeting point of borders of three countries, Syria, Iraq and Turkey toward the East to see what is happening. Much to my surprise, I saw the situation is unusual and in the short distance there are several aircraft ahead of us. Immediately I said Mahmoud: "We've become known, quickly turn left and to return." He obeyed, and a blow shook the aircraft violently while turning. Also we heard a loud noise.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (33)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

About four months technicians worked hard on damaged parts of aircraft, including fuselage, hydraulic system, and so on until this expensive flying was prepared. On 8th of August in the same year, two Hercules delivered the engine, related jack (stand) and other supplies to repairers, because the engine of aircraft was also damaged, and returned to Tehran two days later. The first pilot of aircraft which carried the engine was Capt.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (32)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3

"We heard that the pilots we were concerned about them from morning, have returned safety, while we had just landed after air cover of region. For this reason, we quickly headed to the hangar in front of which a group of our colleagues had gathered, and we kissed the face of these heroes when we found out what a great event has occurred. At the same time, hearing the story of Khazraei, we thought that it is concocted and he and his co-pilot have martyred very likely. Because such things wasn’t unusual! "

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (31)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3

Interestingly, despite enemy had endured a heavy blow and had been aware of the existence of phantoms, well-designed operation especially the shrewdness of those involved in replacing the rout from the margin of western Iraq border to the inside of western neighbor, and more importantly helping of God, makes them to traverse the going rout again and come back Home safety with more trust.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (30)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3

"Our team included two aircrafts and should be targeted southern base. An arid desert, sunny weather and low altitude had made us to be much careful, lest we suffered flight confusion (vertigo) and crashed. We left the main team as got closer to the target and headed to the target base. Further away, on that desert and near the base, a blue dome attracted me. ...

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (29)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3

It was supposed to bomb with Skip technique. Probably we were several feet lower than the calculated height, so a few shrapnel hit our aircraft. Maybe this situation was caused by enemy anti-aircraft bullets. Anyway, we lost part of engine power, hydraulic power, and our utility system. While the rest were refueling for the third time and leaving the region, we hardly approached to tankers, but the conditions didn’t allow us to refuel.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (28)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

"In the final position, the navigation device of my aircraft differed with current position about 70 to 80 miles and showed another direction. "Where does INS show, Javanmardi?" jokingly I asked the pilot of rare cabin. With a thick Shirazi accent he said: "Sir! It shows Tel Aviv." I asked: "Do you think what we do?" He immediately said: "Sir! Let’s go to bomb there." And we laughed very much."

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (27)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

"At the appointed hour, we were ready into aircraft and called Major Abdul Alizadeh, first pilot of tanker 707 that was located above Lake Uremia. Conversations were exchanged through HF radio contact with short words and passwords. When we assured of successful refueling and departure of phantoms, asked taking off permit by Izadseta’s order according to the schedule, and seemingly we flew toward Tehran from Damascus airport. ..."

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (26)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

Phantoms were approaching the second refueling area. An unusual anxiety as well as fright had embraced pilots. They either asked themselves or their partner: are tankers ready across the Iraq border? Won’t something come up? Given the length of rout and the error of navigation device, will we find properly the considered point with no radio contact with tanker? What would happen if for any reason the Damascus airport don’t allow them fly or delay?