Operation Desert Storm Was The United States Liberating Which Nation From The Control Of Saddam Hussein?A. Saudi Arabia B. Egypt C. Kuwait D. Syria
Introduction
Operation Desert Storm was a pivotal military operation conducted by the United States and its coalition partners in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The operation, which lasted from January 17 to February 28, 1991, was a decisive victory for the coalition forces, marking a significant turning point in the Gulf War. In this article, we will explore the events leading up to the operation, the key players involved, and the impact of the liberation of Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's control.
Background to the Invasion
In the late 1980s, Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, was facing significant economic and military challenges. The country was heavily indebted, and its economy was in shambles. In an attempt to address these issues, Saddam Hussein turned to the oil-rich state of Kuwait, which had been a major oil producer in the region. In August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, citing territorial disputes and historical grievances.
The United States Response
The United States, under the leadership of President George H.W. Bush, was quick to condemn the invasion and pledge support to Kuwait. The U.S. government saw the invasion as a threat to regional stability and a challenge to its own interests in the Middle East. On August 7, 1990, the U.S. Congress authorized the use of military force to defend Kuwait, and on November 29, 1990, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 678, which authorized member states to use "all necessary means" to liberate Kuwait.
Operation Desert Storm
On January 17, 1991, Operation Desert Storm began with a massive air campaign against Iraqi targets. The coalition forces, led by the United States, launched a series of airstrikes against Iraqi air defenses, command centers, and military installations. The air campaign was followed by a ground invasion on February 24, 1991, as coalition forces crossed into Kuwait.
The Liberation of Kuwait
On February 28, 1991, coalition forces liberated Kuwait from Iraqi control. The liberation was marked by a series of intense battles, including the Battle of 73 Easting, which saw coalition forces defeat a large Iraqi force. The liberation of Kuwait was a significant victory for the coalition forces, marking a decisive turning point in the Gulf War.
Key Players Involved
- Saddam Hussein: The President of Iraq, who ordered the invasion of Kuwait and was the primary target of the coalition forces.
- George H.W. Bush: The President of the United States, who led the coalition efforts to liberate Kuwait.
- General Norman Schwarzkopf: The commander of the coalition forces, who played a key role in planning and executing the operation.
- King Fahd: The King of Saudi Arabia, who provided significant support to the coalition efforts and hosted the coalition forces on Saudi soil.
Impact of the Liberation
The liberation of Kuwait had significant implications for the region and the world. The operation marked a decisive victory for the coalition forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern military technology and tactics. The liberation of Kuwait also marked a significant turning point in the Gulf War, as it paved the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Conclusion
Operation Desert Storm was a pivotal military operation that marked the liberation of Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's control. The operation was a significant victory for the coalition forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern military technology and tactics. The liberation of Kuwait had significant implications for the region and the world, marking a decisive turning point in the Gulf War.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Desert Storm was a military operation conducted by the United States and its coalition partners to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi control.
- The operation was a decisive victory for the coalition forces, marking a significant turning point in the Gulf War.
- The liberation of Kuwait had significant implications for the region and the world, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern military technology and tactics.
Recommendations
- Readers interested in learning more about Operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War should consult the following resources:
- "Desert Storm: A Military History" by Williamson Murray and Robert H. Scales
- "The Gulf War" by John Keegan
- "Desert Storm: The War in the Gulf" by Michael R. Gordon and Bernard E. Trainor
Final Thoughts
Introduction
Operation Desert Storm was a pivotal military operation conducted by the United States and its coalition partners in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The operation, which lasted from January 17 to February 28, 1991, was a decisive victory for the coalition forces, marking a significant turning point in the Gulf War. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Operation Desert Storm.
Q: What was the main objective of Operation Desert Storm?
A: The main objective of Operation Desert Storm was to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi control and restore the country's sovereignty.
Q: Who was the commander of the coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm?
A: General Norman Schwarzkopf was the commander of the coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm.
Q: What was the significance of the air campaign during Operation Desert Storm?
A: The air campaign during Operation Desert Storm was a crucial component of the operation, as it allowed the coalition forces to weaken the Iraqi military and disrupt their command and control structures.
Q: What was the role of the United States in Operation Desert Storm?
A: The United States played a leading role in Operation Desert Storm, providing the majority of the coalition forces and equipment.
Q: How many coalition forces were involved in Operation Desert Storm?
A: There were over 500,000 coalition forces involved in Operation Desert Storm, including troops from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other countries.
Q: What was the outcome of Operation Desert Storm?
A: Operation Desert Storm was a decisive victory for the coalition forces, as they successfully liberated Kuwait from Iraqi control and restored the country's sovereignty.
Q: What were the key lessons learned from Operation Desert Storm?
A: The key lessons learned from Operation Desert Storm include the importance of air power, the need for a strong coalition, and the importance of planning and preparation.
Q: What was the impact of Operation Desert Storm on the Middle East?
A: Operation Desert Storm had a significant impact on the Middle East, as it marked a turning point in the Gulf War and paved the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Q: What were the human costs of Operation Desert Storm?
A: The human costs of Operation Desert Storm were significant, with over 100,000 Iraqi soldiers killed or wounded, and over 100 coalition forces killed or wounded.
Q: What were the economic costs of Operation Desert Storm?
A: The economic costs of Operation Desert Storm were significant, with the United States spending over $60 billion on the operation.
Q: What was the significance of Operation Desert Storm in the context of the Gulf War?
A: Operation Desert Storm was a pivotal moment in the Gulf War, as it marked a decisive victory for the coalition forces and paved the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Conclusion
Operation Desert Storm was a pivotal military operation that marked the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi control. The operation was a significant victory for the coalition forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern military technology and tactics. In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Operation Desert Storm, providing a comprehensive overview of the operation and its significance.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Desert Storm was a military operation conducted by the United States and its coalition partners to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi control.
- The operation was a decisive victory for the coalition forces, marking a significant turning point in the Gulf War.
- The liberation of Kuwait had significant implications for the region and the world, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern military technology and tactics.
Recommendations
- Readers interested in learning more about Operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War should consult the following resources:
- "Desert Storm: A Military History" by Williamson Murray and Robert H. Scales
- "The Gulf War" by John Keegan
- "Desert Storm: The War in the Gulf" by Michael R. Gordon and Bernard E. Trainor
Final Thoughts
Operation Desert Storm was a pivotal military operation that marked the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi control. The operation was a significant victory for the coalition forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern military technology and tactics. In this article, we have provided a comprehensive overview of the operation and its significance, answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Operation Desert Storm.