Operation Desert Storm

Operation Desert Storm
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Conflict	Operation Desert Storm
Part of	Gulf War
Caption	A United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle in flight

Operation Desert Storm was a major military operation launched by a coalition of countries led by the United States in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The operation involved a series of airstrikes and ground battles, with the goal of liberating Kuwait and restoring the Al-Sabah monarchy. The operation was authorized by United Nations Security Council Resolution 660 and supported by a coalition of countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Oman. The operation was led by General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., who played a key role in planning and executing the military campaign, in close coordination with General Colin Powell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney.

Background

The background to the operation involved a series of events and tensions between Iraq and Kuwait, including a long-standing dispute over Kuwait's independence and Iraq's claims to the Rumaila oil field. The situation escalated in July 1990, when Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing its oil and Saddam Hussein began to mass troops on the border. The United States, led by President George H.W. Bush, responded by deploying troops to Saudi Arabia and launching a diplomatic effort to resolve the crisis, in coordination with United Nations Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar and European Union leaders, including French President François Mitterrand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. The operation also involved the participation of other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, with Prime Minister John Major playing a key role in supporting the coalition effort.

Causes of the War

The causes of the war were complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of factors, including Iraq's desire to expand its territory and resources, and the United States' interest in maintaining stability in the Middle East and protecting its allies, including Israel and Turkey. The war was also influenced by the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, with Mikhail Gorbachev playing a key role in shaping the international response to the crisis. The United Nations played a crucial role in authorizing the use of force against Iraq, with United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 imposing economic sanctions on Iraq and United Nations Security Council Resolution 662 condemning the invasion of Kuwait. The operation was supported by a coalition of countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Italy, with Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti playing a key role in supporting the coalition effort.

Military Operations

The military operations involved a series of airstrikes and ground battles, with the goal of liberating Kuwait and restoring the Al-Sabah monarchy. The operation began on January 17, 1991, with a series of airstrikes against Iraqi targets, including Baghdad and Basra, carried out by United States Air Force F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons, as well as Royal Air Force Tornado GR1s and French Air Force Mirage 2000s. The airstrikes were followed by a ground campaign, which began on February 24, 1991, and involved a coalition of troops from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Oman, as well as United States Marine Corps and United States Army units, including the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Cavalry Division. The operation also involved the participation of United States Navy and Royal Navy ships, including the USS Missouri (BB-63) and the HMS Ark Royal (R07), which played a key role in supporting the coalition effort.

Aftermath and Consequences

The aftermath and consequences of the operation were significant, with the liberation of Kuwait and the restoration of the Al-Sabah monarchy. The operation also had a significant impact on the Middle East, with the United States emerging as a dominant power in the region, and the Soviet Union's influence declining, as noted by Henry Kissinger and Zbigniew Brzezinski. The operation also had significant humanitarian consequences, with thousands of Iraqi civilians and soldiers killed or displaced, and the United Nations launching a major humanitarian effort to provide aid to those affected, led by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata. The operation was widely supported by the international community, including China, India, and Brazil, with President Fernando Collor de Mello playing a key role in supporting the coalition effort.

International Involvement

The international involvement in the operation was significant, with a coalition of countries participating in the military campaign, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, with Prime Minister John Major playing a key role in supporting the coalition effort. The operation was also supported by a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the Arab League, with Arab League Secretary-General Chedli Klibi playing a key role in shaping the international response to the crisis. The operation involved the participation of troops from a number of countries, including Australia, Canada, and Italy, with Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti playing a key role in supporting the coalition effort. The operation was widely covered by the international media, including CNN, BBC News, and Al Jazeera, with Peter Arnett and Bernard Shaw providing live coverage of the conflict. The operation was also supported by a number of non-governmental organizations, including the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with International Committee of the Red Cross President Cornelio Sommaruga playing a key role in providing humanitarian aid to those affected. Category:Gulf War