Pyongyang, November 22 (KCNA) -- Kang Kam Chan (948-1031) was one of the patriotic-minded army commanders who distinguished themselves in battles against invaders.

When the Kitan forces launched the third attempt to invade Koryo kingdom (918-1392) in December 1018, Kang became the commander-in-chief of the Koryo army.

When the enemy's main forces were crossing the River Amnok, his cavalrymen broke a dam to plunge them into utter confusion and attacked the invaders.

As the enemy forces reached near the capital of Koryo, he ordered all people living within 40 kilometers from the walled city to move into the city, leaving no edible ones, including drinking water, available for the enemy.

With nothing to eat and drink, the enemy could not but start to retreat.

The Koryo army followed the enemy forces and encircled and defeated them in Kuju area in February 1019.

The battle is recorded in the Korean history as "great victory in Kuju".

Most of the 100 000-strong Kitan forces were killed in the battle, with only thousands returning home.

The battle inspired the Korean people in their struggle to defend the sovereignty of the nation.