What is operation desert storm

 Operation Desert Storm: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

Operation Desert Storm was the military combat phase of the Gulf War (1990–1991), launched by a U.S.-led coalition of 35 nations against Iraq. It began on January 17, 1991, and ended on February 28, 1991, resulting in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

This essay provides an in-depth analysis of Operation Desert Storm, covering:

1. Background and Causes

2. Military Preparations and Strategy

3. The Aerial Campaign (January 17 – February 23, 1991)

4. The Ground Invasion (February 24 – February 28, 1991)

5. The Role of Key Players

6. Iraq’s Response and the “Highway of Death”

7. Ceasefire and Aftermath

8. Consequences and Legacy of Operation Desert Storm

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1. Background and Causes of Operation Desert Storm

Iraq’s Invasion of Kuwait

On August 2, 1990, Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait with 100,000 troops and annexed it. The reasons were:

Economic issues: Iraq had $80 billion in debt from the Iran-Iraq War and wanted Kuwait’s wealth.

Oil disputes: Iraq accused Kuwait of slant drilling into Iraq’s Rumaila oil field and overproducing oil, lowering global prices.

Geopolitical ambition: Saddam Hussein saw Kuwait as historically part of Iraq.

International Response

The United Nations (UN) condemned the invasion and imposed economic sanctions on Iraq (UN Resolution 661, August 6, 1990).

The U.S. and its allies deployed troops to Saudi Arabia under Operation Desert Shield to prevent further Iraqi aggression.

UN Resolution 678 (November 29, 1990) gave Iraq until January 15, 1991, to withdraw from Kuwait or face military action.

Iraq refused to withdraw, leading to Operation Desert Storm.

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2. Military Preparations and Strategy

Coalition Forces and Leadership

A coalition of 35 nations, led by the United States, prepared for war. Key contributors:

United States: 540,000 troops

Saudi Arabia: 100,000 troops

United Kingdom: 53,000 troops

France, Egypt, Syria, UAE, Canada, and others

Iraq’s Military Strength

900,000 soldiers, 4,000 tanks, 700 combat aircraft

Elite Republican Guard forces

Chemical weapons stockpiles (though never used)

Military Strategy

Phase 1: Aerial Bombardment (January 17 – February 23, 1991)

Phase 2: Ground Offensive (February 24 – February 28, 1991)

The coalition focused on air superiority before launching a ground attack to minimize casualties.

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3. The Aerial Campaign (January 17 – February 23, 1991)

At 2:38 AM (Baghdad time) on January 17, 1991, the U.S. launched Operation Desert Storm with massive airstrikes.

Objectives of the Air Campaign

Destroy Iraqi air defenses and radar systems.

Cripple Iraq’s command and communication centers.

Target military bases, oil refineries, and supply lines.

Key Events in the Aerial Bombardment

1. Stealth Bombers and Cruise Missiles

The U.S. used F-117 Nighthawk stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles to destroy air defenses.

2. Iraq’s Response: SCUD Missile Attacks

Iraq fired SCUD missiles at Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. deployed Patriot missiles to intercept them.

3. Destruction of Iraqi Military Infrastructure

Coalition aircraft flew 100,000 sorties in 42 days.

Over 80% of Iraq’s air force was destroyed or grounded.

By February 23, 1991, Iraq’s military capabilities were severely weakened.

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4. The Ground Invasion (February 24 – February 28, 1991)

The coalition launched a 100-hour ground war to liberate Kuwait.

Key Battles of the Ground Offensive

1. The “Left Hook” Maneuver

U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf used a deception strategy.

While airstrikes continued, U.S. and Arab forces launched a massive surprise attack from the west, cutting off Iraqi forces.

2. Battle of Khafji (January 29–31, 1991)

Iraq attempted a counterattack into Saudi Arabia but was repelled.

3. The Liberation of Kuwait City (February 26, 1991)

Coalition forces entered Kuwait City as Iraqi troops fled.

Iraqi soldiers set fire to 700 Kuwaiti oil wells, causing environmental destruction.

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5. The Role of Key Players

United States

Led air and ground operations.

Used advanced precision-guided munitions and stealth technology.

Saudi Arabia and Arab Allies

Provided logistical support and ground troops.

United Nations and International Support

The UN provided diplomatic backing.

NATO countries contributed military assets.

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6. Iraq’s Response and the “Highway of Death”

Iraq’s Retreat and Destruction

As Iraqi forces retreated from Kuwait, U.S. aircraft bombed Highway 80 (the Basra-Kuwait road).

Thousands of Iraqi vehicles and troops were destroyed.

The road became known as the “Highway of Death”.

Iraq’s Use of SCUD Missiles

Iraq launched dozens of SCUD missiles at Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. used Patriot missiles to defend against these attacks.

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7. Ceasefire and Aftermath (February 28, 1991 – Onward)

Ceasefire Agreement

On February 28, 1991, President George H.W. Bush declared a ceasefire.

Saddam Hussein accepted UN conditions, including:

Withdrawal from Kuwait.

Disarmament of chemical and nuclear weapons programs.

UN Resolution 687 (April 3, 1991)

Imposed no-fly zones over Iraq.

Required Iraq to allow UN weapons inspections.

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8. Consequences and Legacy of Operation Desert Storm

Casualties and Destruction

Political and Military Consequences

1. Saddam Hussein Remained in Power

Despite military defeat, Saddam suppressed internal uprisings.

2. U.S. Military Presence in the Middle East Increased

The U.S. established military bases in Saudi Arabia, which later fueled anti-American sentiments (e.g., Al-Qaeda).

3. Sanctions and Future Conflicts

Iraq faced strict UN sanctions for over a decade.

These tensions contributed to the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.

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Conclusion

Operation Desert Storm was a historic military success for the U.S.-led coalition, achieving Kuwait’s liberation in six weeks with minimal coalition casualties. However, it left unresolved issues that shaped future Middle Eastern conflicts.

The war demonstrated the effectiveness of modern warfare, including stealth technology, air superiority, and precision strikes. However, it also exposed the limitations of military interventions, as Saddam Hussein remained in power until the Iraq War (2003).

Operation Desert Storm remains a defining moment in modern military history, shaping U.S. foreign policy and global geopolitics.