Events on January 19 in history

Gulf War: Iraq fires a second Scud missile into Israel, causing 15 injuries.

The Gulf War: A Coalition Response to the Invasion of Kuwait

The Gulf War, an impactful armed campaign of the early 1990s, was primarily waged by a formidable 35-nation, United States-led coalition against Iraq. This decisive international intervention was a direct response to Iraq's unprovoked invasion and subsequent annexation of its neighboring sovereign state, Kuwait, in August 1990. The extensive military operation was meticulously planned and executed under two distinct codenames, reflecting its phased approach:

• Operation Desert Shield (2 August 1990 – 17 January 1991): This initial phase focused on the rapid deployment of coalition forces and equipment into Saudi Arabia. Its primary objectives were defensive: to deter any further Iraqi aggression beyond Kuwait's borders and to protect Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity and vital oil infrastructure.
• Operation Desert Storm (17 January 1991 – 28 February 1991): Marking the combat phase, this operation encompassed the offensive actions designed to liberate Kuwait and neutralize Iraq's military capabilities in the region.

Roots of Conflict: The Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait

The catalyst for the Gulf War was the swift and unexpected Iraqi military invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990. Within just two days, the highly mechanized Iraqi forces had fully occupied the small, oil-rich emirate, a blatant violation of international law and sovereignty. The rationale behind Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's aggressive move has been the subject of extensive analysis, driven by a complex interplay of economic grievances and strategic ambitions.

Key factors contributing to Iraq's decision to invade included:

• Debt Repayment Disputes: Iraq faced a staggering post-Iran-Iraq War debt, with over US$14 billion owed to Kuwait. Baghdad argued that this was not a conventional debt but rather financial aid provided for a collective Arab defense against Iran, and therefore should be forgiven. Kuwait, however, insisted on repayment, straining relations.
• Oil Production and Pricing: Kuwait's petroleum production levels significantly exceeded its mandatory quotas set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) throughout the 1980s. This overproduction contributed to a global oil glut and consequently kept international oil prices low, severely impacting Iraq's primary revenue source needed for post-war reconstruction. Iraq also accused Kuwait of "slant drilling" into the Rumaila oil field, a shared border reservoir, which Baghdad viewed as theft of its natural resources.
• Territorial Claims: Historically, Iraq had asserted claims over Kuwaiti territory, dating back to the Ottoman Empire, arguing that Kuwait was an integral part of Iraq.

International Condemnation and Coalition Formation

The international community reacted with immediate and widespread condemnation to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) swiftly passed a series of resolutions demanding Iraq's unconditional withdrawal and imposing stringent economic sanctions. For instance, UNSC Resolution 660 (August 2, 1990) condemned the invasion and demanded withdrawal, while Resolution 661 (August 6, 1990) imposed comprehensive economic sanctions. Subsequent resolutions authorized the use of "all necessary means" to enforce these demands, notably Resolution 678 (November 29, 1990).

In response to Iraq's defiance, then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and American President George H. W. Bush spearheaded intense diplomatic efforts to build an international military coalition. Their call for other nations to deploy forces to the region garnered an unprecedented response, leading to the formation of the largest military alliance since World War II. The coalition comprised forces from diverse nations across six continents, underscoring the global consensus against Iraq's aggression.

While the United States contributed the vast majority of military personnel and resources, significant lead-up contributions came from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Egypt, in that order. The financial burden of the war was also shared, with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia collectively contributing approximately US$32 billion towards the total estimated cost of US$60 billion, highlighting the collaborative nature of the effort.

The Combat Phase: Liberation and Ceasefire

The military offensive to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait commenced with a comprehensive aerial and naval bombardment on 17 January 1991. This air campaign, which lasted for five weeks, was meticulously designed to achieve air superiority, destroy Iraq's military infrastructure, degrade its command and control capabilities, and interdict supply lines. Coalition air forces utilized advanced precision-guided munitions, providing a new dimension to modern warfare and giving rise to the "Video Game War" moniker due to the unprecedented broadcasting of camera footage from bombers.

During this intensive air phase, Iraq attempted to widen the conflict by launching Scud missiles into Israel. This desperate tactic aimed to provoke an Israeli retaliation, which Baghdad hoped would compel the Arab and Muslim nations within the coalition to withdraw, thereby fracturing the alliance. However, intense diplomatic efforts by the United States successfully averted an Israeli counter-attack. Failing to achieve its strategic objective against Israel, Iraq also directed Scud missile attacks against coalition targets and population centers in Saudi Arabia.

The aerial bombardment was followed by a swift and decisive ground assault, codenamed "Operation Desert Sabre," which began on 24 February 1991. Coalition forces, employing innovative strategies such as the "left hook" maneuver (a wide flanking movement around the heavily fortified Iraqi defenses in Kuwait), overwhelmed the Iraqi military. This ground offensive was a spectacular victory, leading to the liberation of Kuwait within just 100 hours. Following Kuwait's liberation, coalition forces advanced briefly into Iraqi territory to consolidate their gains and secure the border regions. However, in adherence to the UN mandate, the coalition ceased its advance and declared a ceasefire on 28 February 1991, having achieved its primary objectives with remarkably low coalition casualties.

It is important to note that aerial and ground combat operations were strictly confined to Iraq, Kuwait, and specific areas straddling the Iraq–Saudi Arabia border, preventing the conflict from spilling into broader regional territories.

Impact and Legacy of the Gulf War

The Gulf War left an indelible mark on military history and media coverage. It is widely recognized for:

• Live Frontline Broadcasts: The conflict marked a paradigm shift in news reporting, with the American network CNN notably providing live, 24-hour broadcasts directly from the battlefront, offering unprecedented real-time access to major global events.
• Technological Superiority: The war showcased the significant technological advancements in Western militaries, particularly in air power and precision-guided munitions, often leading to its "Video Game War" nickname. This contrasted starkly with the more traditional, Soviet-era equipment used by Iraq.
• Major Tank Engagements: The ground campaign featured some of the largest tank battles in American military history, including the notable Battle of 73 Easting, where superior coalition armor and tactics led to overwhelming victories against Iraqi forces.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Gulf War

When did the Gulf War take place?

The primary military operations of the Gulf War spanned from August 2, 1990 (Iraqi invasion) to February 28, 1991 (ceasefire after the ground campaign). The combat phase, Operation Desert Storm, specifically ran from January 17 to February 28, 1991.

Why did Iraq invade Kuwait?

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait was driven by a combination of factors including significant debt owed to Kuwait from the Iran-Iraq War, disputes over oil production quotas within OPEC which kept oil prices low, accusations of "slant drilling" by Kuwait into shared oil fields, and historical Iraqi territorial claims over Kuwait.

Which countries were part of the coalition against Iraq?

A broad 35-nation coalition, led by the United States, participated in the Gulf War. Key contributors included Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Syria, France, Canada, and numerous other nations from around the world, showcasing a truly global response to the aggression.

What was the purpose of Operation Desert Shield?

Operation Desert Shield was the defensive phase of the Gulf War, initiated immediately after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Its primary purpose was to deploy a substantial military force to Saudi Arabia to deter any further Iraqi aggression and to protect Saudi Arabia's borders and vital oil infrastructure from potential attack, effectively drawing a line in the sand.

What was the significance of the "100-hour ground war"?

The "100-hour ground war" refers to the exceptionally brief and decisive ground offensive that began on February 24, 1991. This rapid campaign, marked by innovative tactical maneuvers like the "left hook," resulted in the swift liberation of Kuwait and the collapse of Iraqi forces in the region, leading to a ceasefire within approximately four days and demonstrating the overwhelming superiority of coalition forces.