Short History
Operation Desert Storm (January 17, 1991 – February 28, 1991) was
the combat phase of the Persian Gulf War, a military campaign led by
a U.S.-backed international coalition to liberate Kuwait.
Causes & Build-up
- The Invasion: On August 2, 1990, Iraqi
dictator Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion and occupation of
neighboring Kuwait, driven by debt from the Iran-Iraq War and
oil disputes.
- Operation Desert Shield: The United Nations
condemned the action and demanded a withdrawal by January 15,
1991. In response, the U.S. and a coalition of over 30 nations
deployed hundreds of thousands of troops to Saudi Arabia to
defend the region.
The Conflict
- Air Campaign (January 17, 1991): The
operation began with a massive, five-week aerial and naval
bombardment that crippled Iraq’s air force, command centers, and
supply lines.
- Ground Campaign (February 24, 1991): A
swift 100-hour land offensive (utilizing a flanking "left hook"
strategy) overwhelmed and dislodged Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Outcome
- President George H.W. Bush declared a ceasefire on February
28, 1991, after liberating Kuwait
- The decisive coalition victory resulted in low allied
casualties and the restoration of Kuwaiti sovereignty.
