Gulf War

On August 2, 1990, Iraq, under the leadership of President Saddam Hussein, launched an invasion of their neighboring country, Kuwait. This aggressive military action was quickly condemned by the international community and led to the formation of a coalition led by the United States. The invasion resulted in Iraq annexing Kuwait, prompting widespread sanctions and a call to arms for the liberation of Kuwait.

In response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 661 on August 6, 1990, which imposed comprehensive economic sanctions on Iraq. These sanctions were intended to pressure Iraq into withdrawing its forces from Kuwait. The resolution included a trade embargo, freezing of Iraqi financial assets, and a maritime blockade, significantly impacting Iraq's economy.

On November 29, 1990, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 678, which authorized member states to use 'all necessary means' to ensure Iraq withdrew from Kuwait if it had not done so by January 15, 1991. This resolution provided legal justification for military intervention in the Gulf War, underlining the seriousness of the diplomatic and military standoff and paving the way for Operation Desert Storm.

Operation Desert Storm was the combat phase of the Gulf War, initiated on January 17, 1991, with a massive U.S.-led air offensive against Iraq. This operation aimed to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait and restore Kuwaiti independence. It involved cutting-edge technology and precise aerial bombardment, significantly crippling Iraq's military infrastructure. The operation was pivotal in liberating Kuwait.

On February 24, 1991, the ground assault phase of the Gulf War, known as Operation Desert Sabre, commenced as coalition forces crossed into Iraqi territory and moved towards Kuwait. This ground campaign lasted 100 hours and was critical to the swift liberation of Kuwait. It saw intense combat with the destruction of the Iraqi military's elite units, marking a significant turning point in the conflict.

A cease-fire was declared on February 28, 1991, bringing active hostilities of the Gulf War to an end. The coalition forces declared victory after successfully pushing Iraqi troops out of Kuwait, restoring its sovereignty. President George H.W. Bush announced the ceasefire, and negotiations for peace terms followed. The Gulf War officially ended on this day, marking a strategic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Following a series of intense military defeats and international pressure, Iraq agreed to the terms set forth by the coalition for a ceasefire on March 1, 1991. This agreement was formalized in UN Resolution 686, which outlined conditions for peace, including the release of prisoners and the return of stolen property. It marked the beginning of negotiations for a long-term peace settlement.

The 'Highway of Death' refers to the road leading from Kuwait City to the Iraqi town of Basra, where retreating Iraqi military and civilian convoys were heavily bombarded by coalition forces during the final stages of the Gulf War, around February 26-27, 1991. This event became infamous for the destruction and led to significant criticism due to the extensive casualties and damage to Iraqi forces during their withdrawal.

The aftermath of the Gulf War saw a massive refugee crisis as hundreds of thousands of Kurds and Shi'a Muslims fled Iraq due to fears of Saddam Hussein's repression. The humanitarian disaster led to further international intervention and the establishment of no-fly zones to protect these populations. Thousands sought refuge in Turkey and Iran, while others displaced internally faced dire conditions.

Resolution 687 was a comprehensive document adopted by the UN Security Council on April 3, 1991, which Iraq accepted on July 30, 1991. The resolution required Iraq to destroy its weapons of mass destruction, comply with international inspections, and uphold no-fly zones over northern and southern Iraq. Acceptance of this resolution marked Iraq's commitment to post-war penalties and reconstruction efforts.