Sabaleh Bridge forms the most important communication point between Susangerd and Bostan, sitting southeast of Bostan where the Sabaleh River meets the Susangerd–Bostan Road. From the first days of the Iran–Iraq War, Iraqi troops crossed the bridge, the river, and Sabaleh Village and occupied them for a period. Sabaleh Village stands 25 kilometers from Susangerd,⁠[1] and Sabaleh Bridge crosses the Sabaleh River, a branch of the Karkheh River flowing east to west.⁠[2] Among the settlements surrounding the bridge, Qodratabad Village (near Subaleh) lies about 20 kilometers from Susangerd.⁠[3] Northwest of the bridge lies a triangular area of high military value.⁠[4] Both Iran and Iraq viewed controlling this river as an advantage.⁠[5]

On the third day of the war, September 24, 1980, the resistance forces of Susangerd targeted an Iraqi aircraft in the area between Bostan and Sabaleh Bridge and captured the pilot.⁠[6] After the fall of Bostan on September 23, the bridge, located twenty kilometers from Bostan, was captured by Iraqi ground forces on September 26.⁠[7]

Following the initial liberation of October 1, 1980, the city, despite the strong resistance of the defenders, was recaptured by Iraqi forces on October 14.⁠[8] Iraqi units advanced along the Bostan–Susangerd axis, pushing Iranian forces, who were defending in small groups along this route, back to Sabaleh Bridge. They captured the bridge and, on October 19, crossed it, continuing their advance towards Dehlavieh, located east of the bridge.⁠[9]

From November 6, 1980, Iraqi units resumed their advance towards Susangerd. From the west, seven tanks accompanied by infantry attempted to capture Dehlavieh via Sabaleh Bridge and advance towards Susangerd, but they were met with strong resistance and had to retreat.

On November 10, Iraqi infantry supported by twenty tanks and armored personnel carriers launched a new offensive from Sabaleh. The following day, after reorganizing, Iranian forces launched an attack on Iraqi positions along the Sabaleh axis and the Allah-Akbar Hills, employing helicopters and aircraft. As a result, the Iraqi troops suffered losses and damage.

From November 13, the activity of the Iraqi army intensified in Susangerd. Iraqi infantry units, supported by armored forces and under artillery cover from the Allah-Akbar Hills, advanced from the Sabaleh River towards Dehlavieh. However, facing resistance from Iranians, several Iraqi tanks were destroyed, which halted their advance, and the Iraqi troops began to withdraw. As a result of attacks on Iraqi forces at Sabaleh, they were forced to send some tanks and supplies across the Karkheh River. In the following days, Iraqi units started an offensive from the west of Susangerd via two directions through Sabaleh. Accompanied by forty tanks, they advanced from Dehlavieh towards Susangerd. At that time, the only route available for evacuating the wounded and the martyrs was the Sabaleh River.⁠[10]

This bridge remained under Iraqi control until Operation Tariq al-Quds (November 29, 1981), despite Iranian resistance. On December 4, 1981, the sixth day of the operation, Iraqi troops, employing the 48th Infantry Brigade and the Qutaybah Tank Battalion, attempted to capture the northern area of Sabaleh through a surprise maneuver, taking advantage of any delays by Iranian forces in establishing a secure defense. However, Iranian forces, having intercepted the enemy’s communications, were aware of the plan, and Army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps units immediately moved to reinforce their counterparts in the northern sector of Sabaleh Bridge. They engaged the Iraqi tanks crossing the bridge, halting several vehicles and effectively blocking the passage. Consequently, the Iraqi armored units that had suffered heavy losses retreated and positioned south of Sabaleh, and Bostan was once again saved. Sabaleh Bridge proved to be the key to the liberation of Bostan during Operation Tariq al-Quds.⁠[11]

In 1982, the Kerman Provincial Reconstruction Headquarters began reconstructing Bostan, the surrounding villages, especially Sabaleh Bridge. Although reconstruction activities were limited due to the proximity of the frontlines, significant progress was made over the following months, and by 1983, the Sabaleh Bridge had been fully reconstructed.⁠[12]