The World - News from Oct. 12, 1986

Iran said its commandos, helped by Kurdish guerrillas, pushed deep into northern Iraq and heavily damaged oil fields, an oil refinery, a power station and other key installations in a bid to cripple Iraq’s economy. The official Iranian news agency said its forces struck near Kirkuk, 94 miles from the border, before pulling out at dawn. The report indicated that the raiders were flown into action by helicopter, but it did not say how many troops took part. Iraqi officials denied the Iranian claims. But gulf-based shipping executives said the Iraqi refinery at Kirkuk apparently was damaged and was operating at only half capacity.