Title: 1990 - Gulf War

 

About: An international conflict is triggered by the Iraqi invasion and occupation of neighbouring Kuwait. The aggression prompted a US-led coalition to launch Operation Desert Storm, a massive air and ground offensive to repel the invaders.

 

On 2 August 1990 Iraq invaded its neighbour Kuwait after talks on oil production and debt repayment collapsed. The western powers feared that Iraq would also invade Saudi Arabia and take control of the region's oil supplies. After the UN Security Council imposed economic sanctions against Iraq, US President Bush called for the creation of a multi-national force to deal with Saddam, and also ordered US troops to protect Saudi Arabia. Operation Desert Shield began with the arrival of 230,000 Americans in Saudi Arabia to take defensive action.

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When the Iraqis continued their military build-up in Kuwait, Bush ordered an additional 200,000 troops deployed to prepare for offensive action. When Iraqi forces did not withdraw after the deadline of 15 January 1991, a devastating air assault was launched against military, economic and communication targets in Iraq and Kuwait.

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The air campaign decimated entire Iraqi divisions that were deployed in the open desert, and stopped the Iraqis re-supplying their forward units. On 24 February 1991 a ground offensive swept aside Iraqi forces, who were humbled in the face of overwhelming military superiority. 

 

A cease-fire agreement required Iraq to end its programs for weapons-of-mass-destruction, recognize Kuwait and return Kuwaiti property. But for 12 years Saddam Hussein continued to defy UN resolutions and arms inspections, leading the US government of George W. Bush to again invade Iraq in 2003. 

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Decade: 1990s

Year: 1990

Region: Middle East

Country: Kuwait + Iraq + USA + United Kingdom

Conflict: Regional War

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Type: Historical Event

Impact: 7

Artist: Vlad Nikulin

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Group: Genesis

Number: 90/100

Price: 0.7 ETH

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