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What was the Tawakalna Division?

The Tawakalna Division was an elite armored group that fought for Iraq's Republican Guard. They were considered some of the best soldiers in the Iraqi army. They used strong T-72 tanks and other heavy vehicles to protect their positions.

What was the main role of this unit?

This unit was a key part of the Iraqi defense during the 1991 Gulf War. Their main mission was to guard a defensive line in southern Iraq. They were tasked with stopping enemy forces from moving into the country.

What was a famous battle for this division?

The division is remembered for fighting in the Battle of 73 Easting on February 26, 1991. During this intense fight, American soldiers from the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment attacked the division. They destroyed much of the unit's armor during a fast and powerful battle.

What kind of tanks did the division use?

The division primarily used Soviet-made T-72 tanks. These were the most modern and powerful tanks that the Iraqi army owned at that time. Each tank was designed to carry heavy armor and a large gun for combat.

Why is this unit important in history?

The defeat of this division was a major turning point in the war. By breaking their main defensive line, United States forces were able to finish the ground war in just about 100 hours. Their loss showed how quickly the battle was moving toward the end.

Home LibraryTawakalna Division

Army

Tawakalna Division

An Iraqi Republican Guard armored division that fought US forces at the Battle of 73 Easting in 1991.

Iraq Army

History

The Tawakalna Division was an armored division of Iraq's Republican Guard, equipped with T-72 tanks and other armored vehicles. During the 1991 Gulf War, the Tawakalna Division held a defensive line in southern Iraq. On 26 February 1991, US forces of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment destroyed much of the Tawakalna Division's armor at the Battle of 73 Easting, breaking Iraq's main defensive position and helping end the ground war in about 100 hours.