Operation Desert Storm Timeline

By 24jkaczorowski

  • Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait

    Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait
    • On August 2, 1990, Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait, claiming that it was part of Iraq's historical territory and that Kuwait was drilling oil from a disputed border region.
    • The United Nations Security Council condemned the invasion and called for Iraq to withdraw its troops from Kuwait.
    • The United States, under President George H.W. Bush, began deploying troops and building a coalition to defend Saudi Arabia and prepare for possible military action.

  • UN Resolutions and Economic Sanctions

    UN Resolutions and Economic Sanctions
    • On August 6, 1990, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 661, imposing economic sanctions on Iraq and calling for a complete embargo on all trade with Iraq.
    • On November 29, 1990, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 678, authorizing the use of force to remove Iraq from Kuwait if Iraq did not withdraw its troops by January 15, 1991.
    • The economic sanctions severely impacted Iraq's economy, but Saddam Hussein refused to withdraw his troops from Kuwait.

  • The Air Campaign

    The Air Campaign
    • On January 17, 1991, the United States launched Operation Desert Storm with a massive air campaign against Iraq, attacking military targets and infrastructure.
    • The air campaign, which also involved forces from the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, lasted for 42 days and involved over 100,000 sorties.
    • The air campaign destroyed much of Iraq's air defense and communication infrastructure, paving the way for a ground invasion.

  • Ground Invasion and Liberation of Kuwait

    Ground Invasion and Liberation of Kuwait
    • On February 23, 1991, a ground invasion of Kuwait began, with US and coalition forces launching a major offensive against Iraqi forces in Kuwait.
    • The ground war was a swift and decisive victory for the coalition, with Iraqi forces being pushed out of Kuwait by February 28, 1991.
    • The coalition forces suffered relatively few casualties in the ground war, with only 147 American soldiers killed in action.

  • Highway of Death

    Highway of Death
    • After the ground invasion, retreating Iraqi forces were subjected to a devastating attack on the highway between Kuwait and Iraq.
    • Coalition aircraft and ground forces attacked Iraqi troops and vehicles, resulting in thousands of Iraqi soldiers being killed and many vehicles destroyed.
    • The attack on the Highway of Death was controversial and led to criticism of the coalition's conduct of the war.

  • Ceasefire and Aftermath

    Ceasefire and Aftermath
    • On February 28, 1991, a ceasefire was declared, ending the Gulf War.
    • Saddam Hussein remained in power in Iraq, but was weakened by the war and faced continued economic sanctions and international pressure.
    • The Gulf War had significant political and social consequences in the Middle East, including increased tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims and the rise of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda.

  • Impact on US Military and Foreign Policy

    Impact on US Military and Foreign Policy
    • The Gulf War was a significant military victory for the United States and its coalition partners, boosting American confidence in its military capabilities.
    • The war also had a significant impact on US foreign policy, with the US becoming more involved in Middle Eastern affairs and the rise of the "neoconservative" movement in American politics.
    • The Gulf War also paved the way for future conflicts in the Middle East, including the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.