Iranian Civilian mortality due to Iraqi artillery attacks during the imposed war (1980-1988)

Background and Aim: During eight years of Iraq-Iran war (1980-88), many of Iranian cities and villages aimed by Iraqi artillery. The purpose of the present study was to determine civilian casualties resulting from Iraqi artillery attacks at non-military targets thought Iranian territories.
Methods: The data collected about Iraqi missile strikes on Iranian cities included the following: date and time, number and type of missiles, cities targeted, and injuries and deaths resulting from impacts of missiles in civilian areas. The data were extracted from a database that was constructed by the army staff headquarters based on daily reports of Iranian army units during the war.
Results: During the Iraq-Iran war, at least 3381 artillery attacks at Iranian cities and villages by Iraqi army had been recorded. These attacks resulted to martyrdom of about 2763 civilian and injuries of 16563 others. Twenty cities and 36 villages were aimed by Iraqi artillery. The highest of raids recorded in years 1360 and 1359 and the most deaths reported in years of 1360 and 1359 with 1258 and 1026, respectively. Abadan sustained the highest artillery raids and related Martyrs during eight years of the war.
Conclusion: Due to our results and regarding the majority of people who live in our cities near to borders of Iranian territories, it is necessary to carry out preventive programs. Preparing of shelters is necessary in cities near to border. All groups that involve during military acts such as the civilian defense forces (including: Safety Services & Fire Fighting Organization and Iranian Red Crescent Society and volunteers), military forces, Emergency medical services and hospital personals must be trained to counter for these attacks.