Operation Desert Shield

Operation Desert Shield was a military operation conducted by a coalition of countries led by the United States in response to the Invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on August 2, 1990. The operation involved a massive buildup of troops and equipment in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to defend against potential further aggression by Iraqi Republican Guard forces. The operation was authorized by United Nations Security Council Resolution 660 and involved the participation of troops from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Oman. The operation was led by General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. and involved the use of US Air Force, US Navy, and US Army units.

● Introduction

The operation began on August 7, 1990, with the deployment of US Marine Corps and US Army units to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The operation involved the use of F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, as well as M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The operation was supported by NASA and National Security Agency intelligence, as well as CIA and FBI operations. The operation also involved the participation of Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and British Army units from the United Kingdom, as well as French Air Force and French Army units from France.

● Background

The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on August 2, 1990, was widely condemned by the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, which passed United Nations Security Council Resolution 660 calling for the withdrawal of Iraqi forces. The Arab League also condemned the invasion, and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Syrian President Hafez al-Assad played key roles in organizing the coalition response. The Soviet Union also supported the coalition, with Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin playing key roles in shaping the international response. The operation was also supported by Canada, Australia, and Germany, among other countries.

● Military Operations

The military operations conducted during the operation involved a massive buildup of troops and equipment in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The operation involved the use of US Navy ships, including the USS Independence (CV-62) and the USS Saratoga (CV-60), as well as US Air Force aircraft, including the B-52 Stratofortress and the F-117 Nighthawk. The operation also involved the use of Special Forces, including US Navy SEALs and US Army Rangers, as well as CIA and FBI operatives. The operation was supported by NASA and National Security Agency intelligence, as well as Royal Air Force and Royal Navy units from the United Kingdom.

● International Involvement

The operation involved the participation of troops from countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Oman. The operation was also supported by United Nations peacekeeping forces, including the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission. The operation involved the use of NATO equipment and personnel, as well as European Union and Arab League support. The operation was also supported by Japan, South Korea, and China, among other countries. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees also played key roles in responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion.

● Aftermath

The operation ended on January 17, 1991, with the launch of Operation Desert Storm, a military operation aimed at liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The operation involved the use of US Air Force and US Navy aircraft, as well as US Army and US Marine Corps ground units. The operation was supported by Royal Air Force and Royal Navy units from the United Kingdom, as well as French Air Force and French Army units from France. The operation resulted in the liberation of Kuwait and the defeat of Iraqi forces, but also had significant humanitarian and environmental consequences, including the Gulf War oil spill and the Gulf War syndrome.

● Timeline

The operation began on August 7, 1990, with the deployment of US Marine Corps and US Army units to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The operation involved a series of key events, including the Battle of Khafji on January 29-31, 1991, and the Scud missile attacks on Israel and Saudi Arabia. The operation ended on January 17, 1991, with the launch of Operation Desert Storm, which involved the use of US Air Force and US Navy aircraft, as well as US Army and US Marine Corps ground units. The operation was followed by the Gulf War ceasefire on February 28, 1991, and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 687 on April 3, 1991, which established the United Nations Special Commission to oversee the destruction of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. Category:Gulf War