Dhofar Rebellion facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dhofar Rebellion ثورة ظفار
Part of the Cold War and the Arab Cold War
A soldier of the Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces brewing Tea in 1970
Date 9 June 1963 – 11 March 1976 (12 years, 9 months and 2 days) Location Dhofar Province, Oman Result Omani government victory Defeat of insurgents Modernization of Oman
Belligerents
Oman Iran  United Kingdom  Jordan Supported by:  United Arab Emirates	DLF(1963–1968) PFLOAG (1968–1974) NDFLOAG (1969–1971) PFLO (1974–1976) Supported by:  South Yemen Iraq  Soviet Union  China
Strength
10,000 1,800 4,000 500 500 800 small troop unit	5,000–6,000 rebels
Casualties and losses
187 killed 559 wounded 719 killed 1404 wounded 24 killed 55 wounded	1,400 killed 2,000 captured (Iranian estimate)
10,000 total killed

The Dhofar Rebellion, also known as the Dhofar War, was a conflict that took place in the Dhofar region of Oman from 1963 to 1976. It was fought between the Sultanate of Oman and a group of rebels known as the Dhofar Liberation Front (DLF). The rebels wanted to create an independent state in Dhofar, free from the Sultan's rule. They also aimed to reduce British influence in the Persian Gulf area.

On the other side, Oman and Britain wanted to protect Oman from the spread of certain political ideas, especially during the Cold War. The war started with small attacks by the rebels. Over time, with support from countries like South Yemen, China, and the Soviet Union, the rebels gained control of much of the Jebel region by the late 1960s.

In 1970, a big change happened when Sultan Said bin Taimur was replaced by his son, Qaboos bin Said. Sultan Qaboos, with strong British help, started new plans to modernize Oman and win over the people. British special forces also helped train Omani troops. In 1973, Iran also sent troops to support Oman. These efforts led to the defeat of the rebels in 1976.

Why the Dhofar Rebellion Started

In 1962, Oman was a very traditional country. The ruler, Sultan Said bin Taimur, kept Oman from using new technologies and relied on British support. Dhofar was part of Oman but had its own unique culture and language.

Dhofar has a fertile coastal area with towns like Salalah. Behind this are the rugged Jebel Dhofar hills. These hills get a lot of rain during the monsoon season (called the Khareef), making them green and lush. The people living in these hills are called jibalis (hill people). To the north, the land turns into the vast Empty Quarter desert.

Key Events in the Rebellion

Early Days of Fighting

In 1962, a tribal leader named Musallam bin Nufl started the Dhofar Liberation Front (DLF). They received weapons from Saudi Arabia, which had past disagreements with Oman. The DLF also got help from Imam Ghalib Bin Ali, an exiled leader who had led earlier revolts in Oman.

Bin Nufl's group began attacking British air bases and oil company vehicles. From 1964, the DLF launched more hit-and-run attacks. Many DLF fighters were former soldiers, making them skilled in combat.

In 1966, members of a local Omani unit tried to assassinate the Sultan. After this, the Sultan became very isolated in his palace. He also ordered strong military actions against the DLF, which included burning villages and destroying wells. This made many local people unhappy.

Rebels Gain Strength

In 1967, two major events changed the rebellion. First, the Six-Day War in the Middle East made many people in the Arab world more radical. Second, Britain left Aden, leading to the creation of People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY), also known as South Yemen. This new country became a strong supporter of the rebels, providing them with weapons, supplies, and training camps near the Omani border.

The Dhofari rebels adopted a new political idea, aiming to free the entire Gulf region from British influence. They called themselves the Popular Front for the Liberation of the Occupied Arabian Gulf (PFLOAG). They wanted to create a "democratic people's republic," remove the British army, and bring in new laws for freedom and social justice. They also opened schools for both boys and girls, which was new for the area.

This new direction helped PFLOAG get support from South Yemen and China. China especially liked that the group was based on farmers, similar to their own ideas. With new weapons and better training, the PFLOAG became a strong fighting force. By 1970, the rebels controlled most of the Jebel region.

At this time, the Sultan's army in Dhofar was small and poorly equipped. They used old World War II weapons and were not well-trained for fighting in the tough mountain terrain. This made it hard for them to stop the rebels.

A New Sultan Takes Over

British soldiers from the Special Air Service helping villagers as part of their "hearts and minds" campaign.

In July 1970, Sultan Said bin Taimur was removed from power by his son, Qaboos bin Said. Sultan Qaboos had been educated in Britain and immediately began big changes. His plan included:

• Offering forgiveness to rebels who stopped fighting.
• Making Dhofar a formal part of Oman.
• Fighting rebels who did not accept peace.
• Starting major development projects across Oman.
• Working with other countries to gain support for Oman.

Soon after, British Special Air Service (SAS) soldiers arrived to help. They started a "hearts and minds" campaign, which meant winning over the local people by providing help. British engineers built schools and health centers, and drilled wells. Medical teams also helped at Salalah hospital. This approach had worked before in other conflicts.

The government also worked to counter rebel messages. They gave out cheap radios so people could hear government news, which was seen as more truthful than the rebel broadcasts.

Winning Over the People

A "Pink Panther" Land Rover, a famous vehicle used by the Special Air Service during the rebellion.

A key step was offering forgiveness and help to rebels who surrendered. They even offered money to rebels who switched sides and brought their weapons. Many rebel leaders, including Musallam bin Nufl, joined the Sultan's side.

These former rebels formed special units called Firqat, trained by British teams. These Firqat units were very good at gathering information and helping local communities because they were from the area. They helped the Sultan's forces regain control of the Jebel.

The Sultan's army also grew bigger and got better equipment. British and Pakistani officers helped train Omani soldiers. New fortified lines, like the "Hornbeam Line," were built to stop rebels and their supplies from entering Dhofar from South Yemen. The Sultan's Air Force also got new planes and helicopters to support ground troops and deliver supplies.

Rebels Fight Back

The British Base at Mirbat, where a major battle took place.

After China started relations with Iran, it stopped supporting the rebels. This made it harder for the rebels to get supplies.

To try and turn the tide, the rebels launched a big attack on the coastal town of Mirbat in 1972. On July 19, 1972, about 250 rebels attacked a small group of Firqat trainees, police, and a few SAS soldiers at the Battle of Mirbat. Despite bad weather, air support arrived, and the rebels were pushed back with heavy losses.

Iran Joins the Fight

The Shah of Iran sent about 1,200 Iranian troops and helicopters to help Oman in 1973. They helped secure important roads and supply routes. In 1974, the Iranian force grew to 4,000 soldiers. They helped capture the town of Rahkyut, which the rebels had used as their capital.

The Shah of Iran said he intervened to protect the important Strait of Hormuz. Iranian troops stayed in Oman until after the Iranian Revolution.

The Rebellion Ends

A view from Akoot in the Jebel Qara during the start of the monsoon season.

In January 1974, the rebel movement changed its name to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman (PFLO). This showed they were focusing only on Oman. They also received less support from the Soviet Union and China.

The Sultan's forces, along with the Firqat units, steadily pushed the rebels back into the western part of the Jebel Qamar. In October 1975, the Sultan's army launched its final major attack. They managed to reach the coast at Dalqhut, cutting off the rebels from their bases in South Yemen.

Over the next few months, the remaining rebels surrendered or fled to South Yemen. The Dhofar Rebellion was officially declared over in January 1976.

Aftermath

Even after the war ended, Britain still had a lot of influence in Oman. Many government officials and army officers were British. This conflict was seen as a valuable training ground for British officers.

Images for kids

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  A "hedgehog" defensive wall, made from oil drums filled with sand, protecting Salalah airfield.

See also

• Iran–Oman relations
• List of modern conflicts in the Middle East
• Northern Frontier Regiment
• Operation Simba