The ground phase of the Gulf War commenced when coalition forces crossed into Iraq from Saudi Arabia on February 24, 1991. This marked a significant escalation in the military operation that had begun with extensive aerial bombardment on January 17, aimed at dismantling Iraq's military infrastructure after its invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The coalition forces, led by the United States under General Norman Schwarzkopf, included troops from the United Kingdom, France, and several other nations. The ground assault was meticulously planned, leveraging both air superiority from the prior weeks and a massive buildup of ground forces along the Saudi-Iraqi border.

Upon entering Iraqi territory, coalition troops encountered fierce resistance, but they leveraged superior technology and extensive training, leading to a rapid advance. The U.S. Army's use of armored divisions and strategic air support allowed for the swift liberation of Kuwait City within just 100 hours of the ground operations commencing. The operation received extensive media coverage, showcasing the precision of modern military tactics and the impact of coalition cooperation against common adversaries. The offensive also demonstrated the effectiveness of a well-coordinated multi-national effort in achieving geopolitical aims.

This ground invasion was not just a military operation but a fundamental shift in the international community's approach toward Iraqi aggression. Countries involved sent a clear message that violations of sovereignty would not be tolerated, encouraging future international coalitions to address similar global threats.