Memoirs of Saleh Mousavi

2026-10-21

Seyyed Saleh Mousavi, who was called “Sali” by his comrades and a teenage fighter during the Holy Defense era, was a guest on the 299th Shab-e Khatereh (Night of Remembrance) program (May 2018). Seyyed Saleh reminisced about Operation Tariq al-Quds. He said: “In 1981, during Operation Tariq al-Quds, we had to go northwest of Susangerd. Our mission location was in a village called Megasis. That night, they first shot our battalion commander and his radio operator, but when the code for the operation was given, we started it, God willing. We bypassed a road and came from behind them, and our guys killed 750 of the enemy by morning. It was a very successful operation, and our unit was recognized as one of the most successful units. We were a watertight barrier, but for defense, because of the attack that the Iraqis did on the Sableh Bridge, if they had cut off the line between Bostan and Susangerd, that great victory could not have been formed so soon. They sent us there. Commander Mohammad Noorani was in charge of the axis and after three days they shot him. Martyr Reza Mousavi asked for me and handed me the axis. Our forces were in the operational area for more than two months. Some of the guys got tired and it was likely that the enemy would do another attack in that area. At that time, there were not many forces. One day, they told us that we had to go to the command tactical headquarters. It was a bit far from the line. I went to the headquarters with one of the guys who were protesting, representing the other guys who were also protesting. We saw that only Sayyad Shirazi and Commander Mohsen Rezaei were there. I introduced myself and my friend. Those two people were asking us not to leave that axis. I said that we are with a number of friends in the axis, you convince this brother of ours. They gave him half an hour to convince him. It was not like they were imposing and giving military orders. This move softened my friend and they remained in the axis. We were about to turn back when suddenly I saw one of the two men grab my hand tightly and kiss it. I looked and saw that it was Martyr Sayyad Shirazi. Praise to God for the greatness of this man who had forgotten himself to such an extent and melted into God. If he had been anything other than this, he would not have been qualified to lead the army.”

Mousavi said: "In 1970, Saddam's army forces really came to put their dirty boots on our necks. Many countries seriously hit our country. Our country was an important and strategic point in terms of geography, politics and economics, and they came to take all our valuable assets, including our religious beliefs, culture, honor and land, for themselves. Teenagers and young people stood up against the aggression."

Let’s look at this narrative next.

So far, 383 programs have been held to commemorate the Holy Defense by Resistance Literature and Culture and Studies Center. The next program will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

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