25 Years ago – 16th January 1991 – Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait
Twenty-five years ago, former President George H.W. Bush took to the airwaves to announce the launch of what is now known as Operation Desert Storm.
US-led military operation to drive Saddam Hussein’s forces out of Kuwait. “Just two hours ago, allied air forces began an attack on military targets in Iraq and Kuwait,” Bush said on the evening of January 16, 1991. “These attacks continue as I speak.” For five weeks, coalition forces bombarded Iraqi positions from the air and sea. When a ground invasion followed in February, it took only 100 hours to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.
Operation Desert Storm marked a shift in how Americans experience combat when the US military deploys in far-flung countries.
For the first time, the beginning of a conflict played out on live TV, and viewers could “watch the war” from the comfort of home as it unfolded.
It was billed as a smashing success: an “accurate” bombing campaign, followed up by a swift, four-day ground assault that led to Iraq’s expulsion from Kuwait and a ceasefire.
Then again, how does one define success in Iraq? Coalition losses reached the hundreds, while Iraqi troop deaths reached into the tens of thousands, and another 2,000-plus civilians were killed.
The anniversary of Operation Desert Storm is a reminder of the unfinished history of the United States at war in Iraq. After all, here we are 25 years later, still dropping bombs there.
Kuwait News
- Events in Kuwait
- New Fine of 500 KD
- Remains of elderly Kuwaiti found inside stable
- Kuwait approve the program to gauge expat workers need
- Fine between KD 3,000 and KD 10,000 for misuse of Social Media
- Crackdown launched on Halloween parties in Kuwait
- Kuwaiti millionaire falls for burger van girl from dating show
- Rape at Kuwait Airport
- Suicide attempt by 5th standard student
- What are those white lines in the sky over the Kuwait
- Court sentenced a Kuwaiti mother to jail
- How to apply for Kuwait Drivers License
- ‘World’s first’ commercial flying car in Kuwait
- Arrest ordered of 2,900 Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Egyptian expats in Kuwait
- Maid beaten to death
- Principal receives salary 36000 KD from US and Kuwait
- New rule for transfer of expat workers visa
- Five tickets will be issued, if driving with open door
- Professor shows indecent video to students
- Steps taken to deport expat inmates
- Ministry of Education sets exam and vacation dates
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