Operation Desert Storm, also known as the Gulf War or the First Gulf War, was a significant military conflict that occurred between August 1990 and February 1991. It was initiated in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, which was led by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The operation was a part of a larger conflict known as the Gulf War, and it involved a coalition of 35 nations led by the United States.

In the article below, military historians at World History Edu provide a detailed history and major facts about Operation Desert Storm.

Background

Invasion of Kuwait: On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, claiming that Kuwait was historically part of Iraq and accusing it of overproducing oil, which was driving down prices. The invasion was swift, with Iraqi forces quickly overwhelming Kuwaiti defenses and occupying the country.

International Response: The international community, particularly the United States and its allies, condemned the invasion. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 660, demanding Iraq’s immediate withdrawal from Kuwait. Subsequent resolutions imposed economic sanctions on Iraq and authorized the use of force if Iraq did not withdraw by January 15, 1991.

Operation Desert Shield

Military Buildup: In response to the invasion, the United States initiated Operation Desert Shield to deter further Iraqi aggression and to build up coalition forces in the Persian Gulf region. Over 500,000 U.S. troops were deployed to Saudi Arabia, supported by additional forces from other coalition nations.

Diplomatic Efforts: Throughout late 1990, diplomatic efforts continued to resolve the crisis peacefully. However, Saddam Hussein refused to comply with the UN’s demands, leading to increased tensions and the eventual decision to initiate military action.

The Air Campaign

 

Start of the Offensive: On January 17, 1991, after the expiration of the UN deadline, coalition forces launched a massive air campaign against Iraq. This marked the beginning of Operation Desert Storm. The air campaign aimed to destroy Iraq’s military infrastructure, command and control facilities, and key targets to weaken Iraqi forces.

Scope and Intensity: The air campaign was extensive, involving over 100,000 sorties and targeting a wide range of military and strategic installations. The coalition’s advanced technology, including precision-guided munitions and stealth aircraft, played a crucial role in the success of the air strikes.

Impact: The air campaign was highly effective, significantly degrading Iraq’s military capabilities and infrastructure. It also disrupted Iraqi communication and supply lines, paving the way for the ground offensive.

The Ground War

Invasion of Kuwait: On February 24, 1991, coalition forces launched a ground offensive to liberate Kuwait. The ground war, often referred to as the “100-hour war,” was swift and decisive. Coalition forces, led by U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf, quickly advanced into Kuwait and southern Iraq.

Key Battles: Major battles included the Battle of Khafji, the largest ground engagement of the war, and the liberation of Kuwait City. Coalition forces encountered relatively light resistance from Iraqi troops, many of whom were demoralized and poorly equipped.

Iraqi Retreat: Facing overwhelming coalition forces, Iraqi troops began to retreat from Kuwait. During their retreat, they set fire to Kuwaiti oil wells, causing environmental damage and creating a significant humanitarian crisis.

 

Conclusion and Aftermath

Ceasefire: On February 28, 1991, President George H.W. Bush declared a ceasefire, effectively ending the combat operations of Operation Desert Storm. The coalition had achieved its primary objective of liberating Kuwait.

Casualties and Damage: The Gulf War resulted in relatively low coalition casualties, with fewer than 300 deaths. Iraqi military and civilian casualties were significantly higher, with estimates ranging from 20,000 to 100,000. The war caused extensive damage to Iraq’s infrastructure and economy.

Environmental Impact: The Iraqi military’s deliberate setting of oil well fires in Kuwait resulted in one of the largest environmental disasters in history. The fires burned for months, releasing vast amounts of smoke and pollutants into the atmosphere.

Major Facts and Highlights

1. Coalition Forces: The coalition consisted of 35 nations, including major contributions from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. It was one of the largest military alliances since World War II.
2. Technological Superiority: The coalition’s technological advantage, particularly in terms of air power and precision-guided munitions, played a critical role in the success of the campaign. Stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and advanced reconnaissance capabilities were heavily utilized.
3. Media Coverage: Operation Desert Storm was one of the first wars to be extensively covered by live television. CNN and other news networks provided real-time updates and coverage, bringing the war into living rooms around the world.
4. Highway of Death: One of the most controversial incidents of the war was the destruction of retreating Iraqi military convoys on the “Highway of Death” between Kuwait and Basra. The attacks resulted in significant Iraqi casualties and raised questions about the proportionality of the response.
5. Scud Missile Attacks: Iraq launched several Scud missile attacks against Israel and Saudi Arabia, aiming to widen the conflict and provoke Israeli retaliation. Despite the attacks, Israel refrained from joining the conflict, largely due to U.S. diplomatic efforts.
6. Human Shields: In the early stages of the crisis, Iraq detained several foreign nationals in Kuwait and Iraq, using them as human shields to deter coalition attacks. Most were released before the onset of the ground war.
7. Economic Sanctions: The United Nations imposed stringent economic sanctions on Iraq following the invasion of Kuwait. These sanctions remained in place after the war, contributing to a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Iraq.
8. No-Fly Zones: After the war, the coalition established no-fly zones over northern and southern Iraq to protect Kurdish and Shia populations from Iraqi military reprisals. These zones were enforced by U.S. and coalition aircraft.
9. Military Reforms: The Gulf War led to significant changes in military strategy and tactics, particularly emphasizing the importance of joint operations, precision targeting, and rapid deployment capabilities. It also highlighted the need for improvements in logistics and support.
10. War Crimes and Accountability: The Iraqi regime was accused of committing numerous war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons against its own population and the execution of Kuwaiti civilians. Efforts to hold Saddam Hussein and other Iraqi officials accountable continued in the years following the war.

Long-term Implications

Regional Stability: The Gulf War had profound implications for regional stability. It reinforced U.S. military presence in the Middle East, leading to the establishment of permanent bases in several Gulf states. This presence would later play a significant role in the 2003 Iraq War.

Economic Impact: The war and subsequent sanctions severely damaged Iraq’s economy. Reconstruction efforts were hampered by ongoing conflict and political instability. Kuwait, on the other hand, embarked on a significant rebuilding process with international assistance.

U.S. Military Doctrine: Operation Desert Storm influenced U.S. military doctrine and planning for future conflicts. The success of the air campaign and the importance of coalition building became central themes in U.S. military strategy.

Humanitarian Issues: The war and its aftermath highlighted significant humanitarian issues, including the displacement of civilians, environmental damage, and the long-term effects of economic sanctions on the Iraqi population.

Saddam Hussein’s Regime: Although the coalition achieved its objective of liberating Kuwait, Saddam Hussein remained in power in Iraq. His regime continued to defy international norms, leading to ongoing tensions and conflicts, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies.

War Legacy: The legacy of Operation Desert Storm is complex. It demonstrated the effectiveness of coalition warfare and advanced military technology, but it also raised ethical and strategic questions about the conduct and consequences of modern warfare. The environmental and humanitarian impacts of the conflict continue to be studied and addressed.

Questions and Answers on Operation Desert Storm

When did Operation Desert Storm begin and end?

Operation Desert Storm commenced on January 17, 1991, and concluded on February 23, 1991.

What was the primary objective of the aerial bombing campaign during Operation Desert Storm?

The primary objective of the aerial bombing campaign was to target Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwait, resulting in the widespread destruction of military and civilian infrastructure.

How many sorties were flown by the coalition during the air campaign?

The coalition flew over 100,000 sorties during the air campaign.

How many tons of bombs were dropped by the coalition forces?

The coalition forces dropped 88,500 tons of bombs.

Who commanded the air campaign during Operation Desert Storm?

United States Air Force (USAF) Lieutenant General Chuck Horner commanded the air campaign.

Who were the British air commanders during Operation Desert Storm?

The British air commanders were Air Chief Marshal Andrew Wilson (until November 17, 1990) and Air Vice-Marshal Bill Wratten (from November 17, 1990).

What marked the conclusion of the air campaign?

The air campaign concluded largely by February 23, 1991, with the onset of the coalition ground offensive into Kuwait.

What types of missiles and aircraft were used in the initial strikes?

The initial strikes were executed by AGM-86 ALCM cruise missiles launched by B-52 Stratofortress bombers, Tomahawk cruise missiles from U.S. Navy warships, F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft armed with laser-guided smart bombs, and F-4G Wild Weasel along with F/A-18 Hornet aircraft equipped with HARM anti-radar missiles.

What was the role of F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft during the campaign?

These aircraft established air superiority over Iraq and continued to drop television-guided and laser-guided bombs.

How did USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft contribute to the campaign?

USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, equipped with GAU-8 rotary cannons and AGM-65 Maverick missiles, bombed and destroyed Iraqi armored forces, supporting the advance of U.S. ground troops.

What role did United States Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers play in the campaign?

AV-8B Harriers provided close air support using their 25mm rotary cannons, Mavericks, cluster munitions, and napalm against entrenched Iraqi forces, facilitating the U.S. Marines’ breach of Saddam Hussein’s defenses.

Which U.S. Army helicopters were used in the campaign, and what were their targets?

U.S. Army AH-64 Apache and AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters fired laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire and TOW missiles at Iraqi tanks, guided by ground observers or scout helicopters like the OH-58D Kiowa.

What additional resources did the coalition air fleet utilize?

The coalition air fleet utilized E-3A Airborne Warning and Control Systems and B-52 Stratofortress bombers extensively.

What was the overall impact of the air campaign on Iraqi military capabilities?

The air campaign was critical in crippling Iraqi military capabilities and infrastructure, facilitating the subsequent ground invasion.

How did Operation Desert Storm influence modern warfare?

Operation Desert Storm set a precedent for the use of advanced military technology and air power, showcasing the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions and coordinated air assaults in achieving rapid and decisive victories.