Gulf War

Gulf War

The Gulf War, also known as the Persian Gulf War, was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 35 nations led by the United States. The war was a response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait in August 1990. The conflict is often divided into two phases: Operation Desert Shield, which was the buildup of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia, and Operation Desert Storm, the combat phase.

Saddam Hussein meeting with Donald Rumsfeld in 1983

Background

The roots of the Gulf War can be traced back to the Iran–Iraq War of the 1980s, during which Iraq had amassed significant debt. Following the war, Iraq accused Kuwait of overproducing oil and thereby lowering prices, which further strained Iraq's economy. Tensions escalated when Iraq accused Kuwait of slant drilling into Iraqi oil fields.

Invasion of Kuwait

On August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces, led by President Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait. The invasion was met with international condemnation, and the United Nations Security Council demanded Iraq's immediate withdrawal. Despite diplomatic efforts, Iraq refused to leave Kuwait, leading to the formation of a coalition to expel Iraqi forces.

Map of Kuwait

Operation Desert Shield

Operation Desert Shield began in August 1990 as a defensive operation to protect Saudi Arabia from potential Iraqi aggression. The United States and its allies deployed hundreds of thousands of troops to the region, establishing a strong military presence.

President George H. W. Bush with troops during Operation Desert Shield

Operation Desert Storm

On January 17, 1991, Operation Desert Storm commenced with a massive aerial bombing campaign. The coalition forces targeted Iraqi military infrastructure, command and control centers, and communication networks. The air campaign was followed by a ground assault on February 24, 1991, which lasted only 100 hours before a ceasefire was declared.

Weapons training during Operation Desert Shield

Iraqi Military

Iraq's military was one of the largest in the world at the time, equipped with Soviet and locally produced weapons. The Iraqi forces included the elite Republican Guard and a large number of T-72 tanks.

Iraqi T-72 tanks

Coalition Forces

The coalition forces were composed of military units from 35 countries, with the United States providing the majority of the personnel and equipment. The coalition's technological superiority, including advanced aircraft and precision-guided munitions, played a crucial role in the swift victory.

Kuwaiti main battle tanks

Aftermath

The Gulf War ended with the liberation of Kuwait and the imposition of a ceasefire. The conflict had significant geopolitical consequences, including the establishment of no-fly zones over Iraq and the imposition of economic sanctions. The war also highlighted the effectiveness of modern military technology and coalition warfare.

Iraqi Model 214ST SuperTransport helicopter, 1991

Legacy

The Gulf War had a lasting impact on the Middle East and international relations. It demonstrated the power of coalition forces and set a precedent for future military interventions. The war also had significant humanitarian and environmental consequences, including the destruction of infrastructure and oil spills in the Persian Gulf.

Stinger crew during Operation Desert Shield

Related pages

• Iran–Iraq War
• Operation Desert Shield
• Operation Desert Storm
• Saddam Hussein
• George H. W. Bush