On January 17, 1991, the United States led an international coalition in launching Operation Desert Storm, the combat phase of the Gulf War. This came after Iraq, under President Saddam Hussein, invaded neighboring Kuwait in August 1990, claiming historical rights and accusing Kuwait of overproducing oil, which hurt Iraq’s economy.
Desert Storm started with a massive aerial and naval bombardment directed at Iraqi military installations, communication networks, and infrastructure. Over five weeks, coalition forces flew more than 100,000 sorties, dropping 88,500 tons of bombs to disable Iraq’s command and control capacity.
The ground offensive began on February 24, 1991, involving a swift and coordinated attack predominantly led by U.S. Army, Marine, Air Force, and Navy units. Coalition forces executed a surprise flanking maneuver from the west—dubbed the “Left Hook”—rapidly overwhelming Iraqi defenses. Within just 100 hours of ground fighting, Kuwait was liberated, and Iraq suffered devastating losses.
🚨 IMPACT & AFTERMATH
Operation Desert Storm marked one of the most decisive and technologically advanced military campaigns in history. It showcased modern airpower, precision-guided munitions, and effective coalition warfare.
Though Kuwait was freed quickly, Saddam Hussein remained in power in Iraq, leaving unresolved tensions that contributed to later conflicts.
The war had lasting effects on U.S. foreign policy, military doctrine, and Middle East geopolitics. It also raised awareness of environmental and humanitarian costs, like oil well fires and displaced populations.
🤔 WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
You’re a coalition commander planning the ground assault:
A) Rely heavily on airpower to soften enemy positions before a fast ground invasion?
B) Launch a direct ground attack without thorough air campaign, risking higher casualties?
C) Attempt naval and air blockade, aiming for diplomatic resolution before ground war?
Historically, option A was chosen with devastating effectiveness. What would you have decided?
💭 THE BIGGER QUESTION
Operation Desert Storm raises questions about military technology’s role in modern warfare and the limits of decisive victory.
Can overwhelming technological superiority guarantee lasting peace? The swift victory in Kuwait suggested yes... but subsequent decades showed enduring instability in the region.
How much should military campaigns consider long-term geopolitical consequences?