Nina Caldwell
The Gulf War was an armed conflict between Iraq and a US-led coalition of 35 nations that took place between August 2, 1990, and February 28, 1991. The conflict was sparked by Iraq's invasion and annexation of its small, oil-rich neighbor, Kuwait, which was fully occupied within two days. The war was carried out in two phases: Operation Desert Shield, involving the buildup of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia from August 2, 1990, to January 17, 1991; and Operation Desert Storm, the combat phase, which began with an aerial bombing campaign against Iraq on January 17, 1991, and ended with the liberation of Kuwait on February 28, 1991.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dates | 2 August 1990 – 28 February 1991 |
| Other Names | Second Gulf War, Persian Gulf War, Kuwait War, Iraq War, Liberation of Kuwait, Guerre du Golfe, Guerre du Koweït, Golfkrieg, Zweiter Golfkrieg |
| Led By | The United States |
| Coalition Forces | 34-35 nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Syria, and the United Kingdom |
| Opponent | Iraq |
| Cause | Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait |
| Outcome | Coalition victory, liberation of Kuwait, Iraqi defeat and retreat from Kuwait |
| Casualties | Over 40% of US veterans experienced Gulf War syndrome |
| Environmental Impact | Six hundred oil well fires, the largest oil spill in history at the time, demolition of Iraqi chemical weapons facilities |
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What You'll Learn
The Gulf War's environmental impact
The Gulf Wars, including the First Gulf War (1990-1991) and the Second Gulf War (2003), had significant environmental impacts that affected the region and the health of those involved in the conflict. The use of oil as a weapon of war, the release of chemical agents, and the deployment of depleted uranium ammunition have all contributed to the environmental degradation that still impacts the area today.
One of the most notable environmental impacts of the First Gulf War was the use of oil well fires as a scorched earth tactic by the Iraqi army. Over 700 oil wells were blown up, with most igniting and burning around 6 million barrels of oil per day for nearly ten months. This resulted in the release of approximately 3.5 million tons of crude oil into the desert, creating oil lakes that covered approximately 50 square kilometers. The combustion of oil polluted the air with toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, leading to decreased air quality and an increase in respiratory diseases among residents of Kuwait and surrounding countries. The smoke from the oil fires also absorbed and scattered the sun's radiation, resulting in a drop in temperature by up to 10 degrees Celsius in Kuwait and Northern Saudi Arabia.
The oil spills also had a devastating impact on the marine environment. Approximately 7-9 million barrels of oil spilled into the Persian Gulf, damaging 700-800 kilometers of coastline. The oil devastated the nesting grounds of endangered sea turtles, birds, fisheries, and shrimp-spawning areas. Thousands of rare herons, flamingos, and other bird species were killed, and the spill was estimated to have caused the death of between 22 and 50% of the populations of several species of cormorants and grebes.
The Second Gulf War in 2003 also had environmental repercussions. The coalition invasion of Iraq resulted in the destruction of Iraqi infrastructure and the release of additional chemical agents. The large-scale displacement of people and the movement of military equipment and troops also put additional pressure on the environment.
In the aftermath of the Gulf Wars, efforts were made to address the environmental damage and provide compensation for those affected. The United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) was established after the First Gulf War to assist neighbouring nations in recovering financially and environmentally from the conflict. However, even decades later, the full environmental legacy of the Gulf Wars has still not been addressed, highlighting the long-term impact of wartime environmental damage.
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The US's role in the conflict
The US played a significant role in the Gulf War, which took place from 1990 to 1991. The conflict began when Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein ordered his armed forces to invade and seize control of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. In response, the United States, under the leadership of President George H.W. Bush, rallied the international community and built a broad coalition to punish Iraq's aggression and liberate Kuwait.
The US Navy was instrumental in the conflict, providing sea control and maritime superiority. Naval battle groups, including the aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Independence, were dispatched to the Persian Gulf, with the USS Independence taking part in Operation Desert Shield. The Navy facilitated the deployment of troops and equipment, with more than 240 ships carrying approximately 18.3 million pounds of supplies. The US Navy also contributed to the buildup of forces in the Middle East before the operation.
American airpower was also crucial, with US Air Force F-15s from Langley Air Force Base conducting round-the-clock air patrols along the Saudi-Kuwaiti-Iraqi border to prevent further Iraqi advances. The 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, based in Germany, joined them, and they were responsible for shooting down 11 Iraqi aircraft during the war. Additionally, the US Air Force conducted bombing missions with F-16s, flying 2,000 combat missions.
The US also contributed ground forces, with American troops entering Kuwait on February 24, 1991, alongside coalition partners. The US military displayed a well-integrated approach to precision munitions and long-range strikes, utilizing their capabilities in land, sea, air, and space domains. The Gulf War ended in a coalition victory on February 28, 1991, with Kuwait liberated and Iraqi forces expelled.
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Kuwait's liberation
The invasion was met with international condemnation, and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed multiple resolutions demanding Iraq's unconditional withdrawal from Kuwait. Despite these resolutions, Iraq continued its occupation and defied all orders from the UNSC. In response, the US-led coalition forces launched a massive military assault on Iraq and Iraqi forces stationed in Kuwait in mid-January 1991, marking the beginning of the liberation of Kuwait.
The liberation of Kuwait occurred in two key phases: Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Operation Desert Shield, which took place from August 1990 to January 1991, involved the military buildup and defence of Saudi Arabia from Iraqi aggression. Operation Desert Storm began on 17 January 1991 with an aerial bombing campaign against Iraq, followed by a ground invasion of Iraqi-occupied Kuwait on 23 February. The coalition forces, including the US 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions, encountered fierce resistance at Kuwait International Airport but ultimately secured the area.
As Iraqi troops retreated, they carried out a "scorched earth" policy, setting fire to over 700 Kuwaiti oil wells to destroy the Kuwaiti economy. However, this strategy was unsuccessful in thwarting the coalition's advance. By 28 February 1991, the Iraqi military had been defeated, and Kuwait regained its independence. The Gulf War ended, and Kuwait was officially liberated from Iraq.
The conflict had significant environmental impacts, including the largest oil spill in history at the time and the burning of over 600 oil wells by Iraqi forces. The war also resulted in Gulf War syndrome, affecting over 40% of US veterans, primarily due to the US bombing and demolition of Iraqi chemical weapons facilities. Kuwaiti citizens played a crucial role in liberating their country, and the Al Qurain Martyrs Museum commemorates those who died during the resistance.
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Saddam's hostage-taking
Saddam Hussein's hostage-taking during the Gulf War was a significant tactic employed by the Iraqi leader to deter a military response from the US-led coalition forces. The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 triggered the Gulf War and led to international condemnation and the amassing of coalition forces in the region. In response, Saddam took thousands of foreign nationals, including Americans and Britons, hostage to prevent a military attack. These hostages were moved to strategic locations in Kuwait and Iraq, effectively being used as human shields to deter bombings.
The hostage-taking created a complex diplomatic situation, with the US and its allies attempting to secure the release of their citizens without escalating the conflict. Saddam attempted to use the hostages to his advantage, offering to release them in exchange for concessions from the coalition. He also attempted to portray himself in a positive light by claiming that the hostages were being treated well and were merely "guests". However, this backfired, as the captivity of these individuals became a justification for potential military action against Iraq.
The hostages endured difficult conditions, with reports of abuse, violence, and mock executions. They were held in various locations, including diplomatic quarters and strategic sites. The movement of the hostages provided valuable intelligence to the coalition forces, revealing the locations that Saddam deemed to be of strategic importance. This information was utilised during the bombing raids, with targets chosen based on the locations where hostages had been held.
The exact number of hostages is unclear, but estimates range from a few dozen to several hundred. Among them were women and children, whose captivity was particularly chilling and attracted significant attention. The hostages' freedom came after months of captivity and negotiations and diplomatic efforts, with their release occurring in stages. Some hostages were freed due to diplomatic negotiations, while others were held until the coalition's military offensive began in January 1991.
The hostage-taking episode during the Gulf War highlighted the complex dynamics of international conflict and the challenges faced by governments in balancing the safety of their citizens with the need to respond decisively to acts of aggression. The eventual release of the hostages was a relief for the affected nations, but the trauma and impact on those involved lingered long after their return.
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The coalition's victory
The Gulf War, which took place between August 1990 and February 1991, was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition of 35 to 42 countries led by the United States. The coalition's victory was the result of a two-phase strategy: Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
Operation Desert Shield, which lasted from August 2, 1990, to January 16, 1991, marked the military buildup and defence of Saudi Arabia. This phase involved the US and its allies deploying troops and equipment to the region in preparation for the upcoming conflict. The US named this phase Operation Desert Shield, while other coalition members used different names, such as the UK's Operation Granby.
The second phase, Operation Desert Storm, began on January 17, 1991, and lasted until February 28, 1991. This phase was the combat phase of the conflict and involved an extensive aerial bombing campaign against Iraq. The coalition forces flew over 100,000 sorties and dropped 88,500 tonnes of bombs, destroying much of Iraq's military and civilian infrastructure. The aerial bombardment was followed by a ground assault on February 24, which successfully liberated Kuwait and advanced into Iraqi territory.
The coalition's air campaign was particularly effective, with coalition forces suffering relatively few aircraft losses despite the high number of sorties flown. This air superiority played a crucial role in the eventual ground assault that liberated Kuwait. Additionally, the coalition's diplomacy, led by US Secretary of State James Baker, was instrumental in building and coordinating the international coalition.
The Gulf War also had significant environmental and humanitarian impacts. The conflict resulted in over 600 oil well fires in Iraq and the largest oil spill in history at the time. The conflict also led to the displacement of civilians and the use of chemical weapons by Iraqi forces, with coalition airstrikes targeting these chemical stockpiles.
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Frequently asked questions
The Gulf War began on 2nd August 1990.
The Gulf War ended on 28th February 1991.
The Gulf War was a conflict waged by coalition forces from 35 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.
The war consisted of two phases. The first was Operation Desert Shield (2nd August 1990 – 17th January 1991) for operations leading to the buildup of troops and defence of Saudi Arabia. The second was Operation Desert Storm (17th January 1991 – 28th February 1991), the combat phase.
