Battle of Sylhet

The Battle of Sylhet (Bengali: সিলেটের যুদ্ধ Silet-er Juddho) was a major battle fought between the advancing Mitro Bahini and the Pakistani defences at Sylhet during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The battle took place 7 December and 15 December and was the Indian Army's first heliborne operation.[1] It was a succession of the Battle of Gazipur in Kulaura.

Siege of Sylhet
Part of Bangladesh Liberation War and Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Date December 7–16, 1971 Location Sylhet, Bangladesh Result Indian & Mukti Bahini victory Pakistani garrison surrenders
Belligerents
Mukti Bahini India	Pakistan
Commanders and leaders
Lt.col. Ziaur Rahman Maj. Gen. Rao Chandra Brig. C. A. “Bunty” Quinn Brig. Raja C. V. Apte Brig. M. B. Wadke Brig. Kulwant Singh Gp Capt Chandan Singh	Brig. Muhammad Saleemullah Chohan Brig. Iftikhar Rana
Strength
IV Corps: 8 Mountain Division 59 Mountain Brigade 81 Mountain Brigade Echo Sector BSF Sector 1 East Bengal Rifles	202 Infantry Brigade 313 Infantry Brigade

On the first landing in the outskirts of Sylhet, they met 31 Punjab, which promptly ran away, sporting the fear of the Gurkha Khukri from Atgram. Then they took off for Sylhet, and were met by heavy fire on landing. They forced the Gurkhas into a pocket, which they were unable to breach. Evacuations by Mi-4s continued all night, and an Alouette provided fire support.

But, by then, BBC sent out news that India had landed a 'Brigade', which incited fear in the enemy Garrison, whereas only a battalion was landed in Sylhet. This forced the Gorkhas to impersonate a Brigade. The continuing evacs at night convinced the enemy that the Gurkhas were being constantly reinforced.

Then, on December 16th, the whole enemy garrison of 8000 men surrendered to Brigade Commander 'Bunty' Quinn.