Operation Desert Storm, Saddam Hussein
In the early hours of January 17, 1991, the United States and its allies began a military operation that would change the course of history. This operation, known as Operation Desert Storm, marked the beginning of the Gulf War and the first major conflict of the post-Cold War era.
At the time, Iraq was led by Saddam Hussein, a brutal dictator who had invaded neighboring Kuwait in August 1990. The international community, led by the United States, responded with a massive military buildup in the Persian Gulf region. Operation Desert Storm was the culmination of this effort, and it was designed to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait and restore its sovereignty.
The operation began with a massive air campaign, which saw American and coalition aircraft flying over 100,000 sorties in just six weeks. The goal was to weaken Iraq’s military capabilities and infrastructure before a ground invasion was launched. The air campaign was a resounding success, and it devastated Iraq’s military and infrastructure.
On February 24, 1991, a coalition ground invasion began. The main force was made up of American and British troops, along with soldiers from other allied nations. The invasion was quick and decisive, and within just four days, the coalition had taken control of Kuwait City. Iraqi forces were in retreat, and it was clear that the war would soon be over.
The coalition continued to push Iraqi forces back into Iraq, and on February 28, President George H.W. Bush declared a ceasefire. Operation Desert Storm had been a resounding success, and the coalition had achieved its goals of liberating Kuwait and driving Iraqi forces out of the country.
The success of Operation Desert Storm had far-reaching consequences. It marked a turning point in the history of the Middle East, as the United States and its allies established a major military presence in the region. It also demonstrated the power and effectiveness of modern military technology and tactics, which would be used in subsequent conflicts around the world.
However, Operation Desert Storm was not without controversy. The war resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, including civilians. The use of depleted uranium ammunition and other weapons has been linked to health problems among veterans and civilians in Iraq. The long-term effects of the war, both in Iraq and around the world, are still being felt today.
Despite these controversies, Operation Desert Storm remains a significant moment in world history. It was a major military victory for the United States and its allies, and it set the stage for the global conflicts that would follow in the decades to come. The lessons learned from Operation Desert Storm continue to inform military strategy and policy today, and they will continue to do so for years to come.