Battle of Walaja

The Battle of Walaja was fought in 12 AH / 633 CE as part of Khalid ibn al-Walid's campaign through southern Iraq. The Persians assembled a large force at Walaja, supplemented by Arab Christian tribal allies. Khalid executed a brilliant double envelopment (similar to the Battle of Cannae), splitting his force to encircle the enemy completely. The Persian force was annihilated, with the Arab Christian allies suffering heavy losses as well. This was one of Khalid's tactical masterpieces and demonstrated his genius for mobile warfare. The victory secured the Sawad (fertile crescent of Iraq) from further Persian counter-attacks from the south.