Coalition Forces Launch Operation Desert Storm
January 16th, 1991
January 16th, 1991
How Long Ago?
34 years, 3 months, 13 days ago
Location
Kuwait and Iraq
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Gulf War
People
- Saddam Hussein
- Norman Schwarzkopf
- Colin Powell
- George H.W. Bush
Links & References
Tags
Coalition Forces Launch Operation Desert Storm
Coalition forces under U.S. command launched Operation Desert Storm against Iraq. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the United Nations imposed sanctions on Iraq, leading to a military response. Starting with extensive aerial bombardment, the operation aimed to liberate Kuwait. The coalition included forces from over 30 countries, showcasing international collaboration.
Coalition involved over 30 countries.
Operation Desert Storm followed diplomatic failures.
Air campaign focused on precision strikes.
U.S. established dominance in Middle East.
What Happened?
In response to Iraq's incursion into Kuwait in August 1990, a coalition spearheaded by the United States commenced Operation Desert Storm, marking the beginning of military actions aimed at expelling Iraqi forces and restoring Kuwaiti sovereignty. This operation followed several months of diplomatic efforts and the imposition of economic sanctions by the United Nations, which sought to pressure Iraqi President Saddam Hussein into withdrawing his troops. As negotiations failed, a coalition of over 30 nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and several Arab states, joined forces under U.S. leadership, culminating in a coordinated military assault. The first phase of the operation involved an extensive aerial bombing campaign targeting military installations, communication hubs, and supply lines throughout Iraq and Kuwait. The airstrikes aimed to weaken Iraqi military capabilities before a ground offensive that started in February. Effective use of advanced technology, including precision-guided munitions, played a significant role in the campaign’s success and heralded a new era of warfare.
Why Does it Matter?
The commencement of Operation Desert Storm had lasting implications on Middle Eastern geopolitics and U.S. foreign policy. The swift coalition victory not only liberated Kuwait but also established the United States as a dominant military power in the region. It set the stage for future U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern affairs and underscored the effectiveness of multinational military coalitions, influencing how future operations would be conducted.
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