May 1982,[1][2] in the village of Hamek, where a small contingent of 11-12 PUK Peshmergas, commanded by Mama Risha, engaged approximately 8,000 Iraqi Ba'athist soldiers.

[2][3] This confrontation is notable for Mama Risha's emergence as a prominent figure, as he successfully defended the village against the larger Ba'athist force with his limited number of Peshmergas.

A substantial force from the Ba'ath Party, estimated to consist of 8,000 soldiers, had encircled the village, while twelve helicopters hovered overhead.

The significant casualties suffered by the Iraqi army compelled the Ba'athists to deploy additional forces around the village, yet they were unsuccessful in their attempt to seize control.

Following the battle, Mama Risha earned the nickname of the Iron Man and Kirkuk's Lion due to his remarkable victory.