Iraqi invasion of Kuwait

Iraqi invasion of Kuwait was a major armed conflict that began on 2 August 1990 when the Republic of Iraq ordered its military forces to cross the border into the neighboring State of Kuwait. The operation led to a swift seven-month occupation of Kuwait, which was subsequently reversed by a United States-led international coalition during the Gulf War. The invasion and subsequent war had profound effects on global politics, the Middle East region, and the international oil market.

Background and causes

The roots of the conflict lay in longstanding territorial disputes and economic tensions following the costly Iran–Iraq War. The Government of Iraq, led by President Saddam Hussein, was deeply indebted to neighboring Arab states, including Kuwait, and accused the Al Sabah ruling family of economic warfare. Iraq alleged that Kuwait was engaging in slant drilling to steal oil from the Rumaila field and exceeding its Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries production quotas, which depressed global crude oil prices. Furthermore, Iraq revived historical claims that Kuwait was historically part of the Ottoman province of Basra, and was therefore a natural part of Iraq. Diplomatic talks in Jeddah between Tariq Aziz and Kuwaiti officials collapsed in late July 1990, setting the stage for military action.

Invasion and initial operations

In the early hours of 2 August 1990, the Iraqi Republican Guard and regular army units launched a coordinated assault across the border. Key formations included the Hammurabi Division and the Tawakalna ala-Allah Division, which quickly overwhelmed the outnumbered Kuwaiti Armed Forces. Iraqi forces captured key objectives including Kuwait City, the Dasman Palace, and the Emir's residence. The Kuwaiti Air Force offered limited resistance before fleeing to Saudi Arabia, while ground forces staged a delaying action at landmarks like the Kuwait International Airport. Within hours, the Iraqi government installed a puppet regime known as the Republic of Kuwait, headed by Alaa Hussein Ali.

International response and diplomatic efforts

The international community reacted with immediate condemnation. The United Nations Security Council passed United Nations Security Council Resolution 660, demanding an unconditional withdrawal, and quickly imposed comprehensive economic sanctions via United Nations Security Council Resolution 661. A U.S.-led coalition began to form under Operation Desert Shield, with key allies including the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, and Syria. Diplomatic efforts, including missions by Arab League officials and Soviet diplomacy, failed to persuade Saddam Hussein to withdraw. The Security Council ultimately authorized the use of force with United Nations Security Council Resolution 678, setting a deadline of 15 January 1991.

Gulf War and liberation of Kuwait

When Iraq failed to comply with the UN deadline, the coalition initiated Operation Desert Storm on 17 January 1991 with a massive aerial bombing campaign targeting Baghdad and Iraqi military infrastructure. Following weeks of air supremacy achieved by coalition air forces, a major ground offensive, Operation Desert Sabre, commenced on 24 February. Coalition forces, including the U.S. VII Corps and British 1st Armoured Division, rapidly encircled and destroyed Iraqi units in Kuwait and southern Iraq. Key battles included the Battle of Khafji and the Battle of 73 Easting. By 28 February, Kuwait was fully liberated, and President George H. W. Bush declared a ceasefire.

Aftermath and consequences

The aftermath of the conflict was transformative. In Kuwait, the retreating Iraqi Army inflicted severe environmental damage by setting fire to hundreds of oil wells and discharging oil into the Persian Gulf. The war solidified the permanent U.S. military presence in the region, with bases established in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It devastated the Iraqi economy and led to the imposition of Iraqi no-fly zones and ongoing weapons inspections by the United Nations Special Commission. The financial cost was immense, with Kuwait funding much of the coalition war effort. The political fallout contributed to later conflicts, including the Iraq War of 2003, and reshaped alliances across the Middle East.

Category:1990 in Iraq Category:1990 in Kuwait Category:Wars involving Iraq Category:Wars involving Kuwait Category:History of Kuwait Category:August 1990 events