Operation Desert Storm

On August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces, under the leadership of President Saddam Hussein, invaded and occupied Kuwait. This aggressive act resulted in the United Nations Security Council adopting Resolution 660, condemning the invasion and demanding Iraq's immediate withdrawal from Kuwait. The invasion led to widespread international condemnation and set the stage for Operation Desert Shield, a defensive operation to protect Saudi Arabia from potential Iraqi aggression and to enforce economic sanctions on Iraq. The occupation of Kuwait lasted until the coalition forces successfully intervened in Operation Desert Storm.

On November 29, 1990, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 678, which authorized member states to use 'all necessary means' to enforce previous resolutions requiring Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait if it did not do so by January 15, 1991. This authorization allowed for the creation of a U.S.-led coalition to prepare for military action against Iraq if it refused to comply. The resolution provided the legal basis for Operation Desert Storm, and was crucial in mobilizing international support for the military intervention to liberate Kuwait.

Operation Desert Storm, a massive U.S.-led air offensive against Iraq, began on January 17, 1991, following Iraq's refusal to withdraw from Kuwait by the deadline set in UN Security Council Resolution 678. The operation commenced with a historic aerial bombardment that aimed to decimate Iraq's military infrastructure and communications. It marked the start of a multi-national coalition campaign against Iraqi forces in Kuwait and Iraq. This phase of the Persian Gulf War was characterized by precision bombing and a strategic emphasis on minimizing coalition casualties. The operation led to the liberation of Kuwait and inflicted heavy losses on the Iraqi military.

On February 24, 1991, coalition forces began a ground assault against Iraqi positions in Iraq and Kuwait, marking the start of the ground campaign phase of Operation Desert Storm. Led by General Norman Schwarzkopf, the coalition forces executed a fast-moving and well-coordinated attack known as the 'left hook' strategy, which involved sweeping around Iraqi forces to cut them off and encircle them. This maneuver effectively neutralized the Iraqi army and led to the liberation of Kuwait. The ground war, characterized by its speed and effectiveness, concluded successfully within just 100 hours with the decisive defeat of Iraqi forces.

On February 28, 1991, President George H. W. Bush declared a ceasefire, effectively ending combat operations in the Persian Gulf War after crushing Iraqi forces in Kuwait and southern Iraq. This day marked the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation and the successful conclusion of Operation Desert Storm's ground offensive. Over the course of the short, yet intense conflict, coalition forces managed to free Kuwait and return it to sovereignty with minimum coalition casualties. However, the ceasefire left Saddam Hussein in power in Iraq, leading to further geopolitical tensions that would persist in the region for years to come.

On March 3, 1991, Iraq formally acknowledged and agreed to all UN resolutions and conditions set forth by the coalition, signaling its official withdrawal from Kuwait. This marked a significant point in the Gulf War, although pockets of resistance and violence continued to flare up in some areas. The withdrawal was a key element of the ceasefire conditions and helped in returning Kuwait to its sovereign state. Despite this withdrawal, the international community remained focused on ensuring Iraq fully implemented all post-war requirements, especially regarding disarmament commitments.

Following the retreat of Iraqi forces from Kuwait, the Iraqi military set fire to over 600 oil wells in a scorched-earth tactic to damage the Kuwaiti economy and environment. These fires burned for months, leading to a major environmental and economic disaster. The smoke from the oil well fires created one of the largest man-made environmental catastrophes of the time, with poisonous smoke plumes covering the region. The fires resulted in severe air pollution and impacted the local ecosystem. International teams worked tirelessly throughout 1991 to bring the fires under control and mitigate their devastating effects.

The last of the oil well fires set by retreating Iraqi forces in Kuwait were extinguished by March 20, 1991, marking an end to one of the worst environmental disasters of the Gulf War. The fires had released massive quantities of pollutants into the atmosphere. The extinguishing process involved difficult and dangerous work by international firefighting teams, who overcame harsh conditions and complex challenges to stop the blazes. Their efforts helped prevent further ecological damage and marked a significant step towards environmental recovery in Kuwait following the war.

On April 11, 1991, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 687, which was a detailed ceasefire agreement providing the framework for Iraq's disarmament after the Gulf War. It required Iraq to dismantle its weapons of mass destruction and submit to inspections by the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM). Additionally, it imposed numerous sanctions to ensure compliance. This resolution played a critical role in international efforts to limit Iraq's military capabilities post-Gulf War, although Iraq's compliance was inconsistent, leading to ongoing disputes and tension in following years.

On July 31, 1991, Iraq formally accepted the United Nations’ ceasefire terms and the terms of several resolutions including the destruction of all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles, and cooperation with UN weapons inspectors. This official acceptance was part of the broader terms laid out by the international community to ensure peace and stability in the region. However, tensions remained high as the implementation of inspections and disarmament faced several challenges throughout the ensuing years. Iraq’s compliance, or lack thereof, with these mandates continued to be a contentious issue.