invasion of Kuwait

invasion of Kuwait. The invasion of Kuwait was a major armed conflict initiated by Iraq under the leadership of Saddam Hussein against the neighboring State of Kuwait on 2 August 1990. The operation led to a swift military victory for Iraqi Armed Forces and the subsequent seven-month occupation of the capital and the entire country. This act of aggression triggered immediate international condemnation and set the stage for a large-scale military confrontation known as the Gulf War.

Background

Tensions between Iraq and Kuwait escalated following the conclusion of the Iran–Iraq War, a devastating conflict that left the Iraqi government deeply in debt. The Government of Iraq accused the Al Sabah ruling family of Kuwait of economic warfare, specifically of exceeding OPEC production quotas to depress global oil prices and of slant-drilling into the Rumaila oil field. Furthermore, Saddam Hussein revived historical claims that Kuwait was historically the 19th province of Basra under the Ottoman Empire. Diplomatic efforts, including meetings within the Arab League, failed to resolve the dispute over war reparations and Iraqi debt, creating a volatile prelude to conflict. The United States and other Western powers had previously supported Iraq during its war with Iran, but relations grew strained as Iraqi Army forces began massing near the border in July 1990.

Invasion and occupation

In the early hours of 2 August 1990, the Iraqi Republican Guard, spearheaded by the Hammurabi Division, crossed the border into Kuwait. The Kuwaiti Armed Forces, including the Kuwaiti Air Force, were overwhelmed, though elements of the Kuwaiti Army put up resistance at landmarks like the Dasman Palace. Emir Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the royal family fled to Saudi Arabia, establishing a government-in-exile. The Iraqi Army completed its conquest of Kuwait City within hours, and Ali Hassan al-Majid, a cousin of Saddam Hussein, was installed as the brutal military governor. The occupation was marked by widespread looting, the establishment of the puppet Republic of Kuwait, and severe human rights abuses against Kuwaiti civilians and foreign nationals.

International response

The international community reacted with unprecedented speed and unity. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 660, demanding an immediate Iraqi withdrawal, and quickly imposed comprehensive economic sanctions via Resolution 661. Key regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, condemned the invasion, with the Arab League also issuing a condemnation. U.S. President George H. W. Bush denounced the act and, in Operation Desert Shield, began deploying forces to Saudi Arabia to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and pressure Iraq. A critical diplomatic coalition was formed, involving the United Kingdom under Margaret Thatcher, France, the Soviet Union, and many members of the Arab League.

Gulf War

The failure of sanctions and diplomacy to dislodge Iraq from Kuwait led to the authorization of force by the United Nations Security Council under Resolution 678. A massive multinational coalition, led by the United States and including forces from the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria, was assembled. The conflict, known as the Gulf War, commenced with a five-week aerial bombing campaign, Operation Desert Storm, targeting Iraqi Armed Forces positions in both Kuwait and Iraq. The ground campaign, Operation Desert Sabre, began on 24 February 1991 and resulted in the rapid and decisive liberation of Kuwait within 100 hours, culminating in the Battle of Kuwait International Airport and the Highway of Death.

Aftermath

The liberation of Kuwait was followed by the restoration of the Al Sabah monarchy and the return of Emir Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The conflict caused extensive environmental damage, including the Kuwaiti oil fires set by retreating Iraqi Army forces. The war solidified the military presence of the United States in the Persian Gulf region and led to the establishment of no-fly zones over Iraq. For Iraq, the defeat resulted in devastating economic sanctions enforced by the UNSCOM and set the stage for future conflicts, including the Iraq War. In Kuwait, the post-war period involved significant political and social changes, a massive reconstruction effort, and a strengthened security relationship with the United States and other Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Category:1990 in Kuwait Category:Wars involving Iraq Category:History of Kuwait Category:Gulf War