17 January - Operation Desert Storm

 

Operation Desert Storm was the codename for the military operations that took place during the Persian Gulf War, which occurred from January 17 to February 28, 1991. The primary objective of Operation Desert Storm was to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait, which had been invaded and occupied by Iraq in August 1990.

Here are key points about Operation Desert Storm:

1. Background: Iraq, led by President Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait in August 1990, leading to widespread condemnation and sanctions by the international community.

2. UN Resolutions: The United Nations Security Council passed a series of resolutions, including Resolution 678, which authorized the use of force to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait if they did not withdraw by a specified deadline.

3. Coalition Building: The United States, under President George H.W. Bush, led a coalition of international forces, including countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and several Arab nations. The coalition aimed to enforce the UN resolutions and liberate Kuwait.

4. Aerial Campaign: Operation Desert Storm began on January 17, 1991, with a massive aerial bombing campaign against Iraqi military and strategic targets. This phase was known for its precision-guided munitions and advanced technology.

5. Ground Offensive: After weeks of aerial bombardment, a ground offensive was launched on February 24, 1991. Coalition forces quickly overwhelmed Iraqi defenses, leading to the liberation of Kuwait.

6. Ceasefire: On February 28, 1991, a ceasefire was declared, and Iraq agreed to comply with UN resolutions, including disarmament.

7. Casualties and Aftermath: The coalition forces achieved their military objectives with relatively low casualties. However, the Gulf War had lasting effects on the region, including economic sanctions on Iraq and the establishment of no-fly zones.

Operation Desert Storm is remembered as a decisive military campaign that achieved its goals of liberating Kuwait and enforcing UN resolutions. While the military objectives were successful, the aftermath of the war and subsequent events in the region had long-term consequences.