The Gulf war

Innholdsfortegnelse
The invasion of Kuwait
Diplomatic dialogs
The first attacks
Operation Desert storm
The ground attack begins
Loss of civilians

Utdrag
In 1990, Iraq became the focus of global media attention as their dictator, Saddam Hussein, posed a threat to Kuwait.

Despite Kuwait's declaration of independence in 1961, Saddam considered it a part of Iraq and was determined to gain control over its oil reserves.

Despite the warnings from the United Nations, he continued his aggressive tactics, and UN imposed a ban on all imports and exports to and from Iraq.

However, Saddam refused to back down and eventually invaded Kuwait, prompting the United States to seek permission to intervene militarily and prevent the invasion.

The invasion of Kuwait
On August 2nd, 1990, Iraqi soldiers invaded Kuwait, encountering little resistance and quickly gaining control within four hours.

With 24% of the world's oil resources at stake, it was clear that the main motivation behind the invasion was control over Kuwait's oil reserves.

Within six days, Iraq had taken over Kuwait, declaring it as "the 19th province" of Iraq. Despite attempts by the United Nations to negotiate with Saddam, he refused to withdraw, and the invasion persisted.

Diplomatic dialogs
As the invasion persisted, the global community began to take action in January 1991.

The United Nations and the United States engaged in conversations with the Iraqi government, attempting to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

However, with Saddam Hussein refusing to consider any peaceful agreements, military intervention became the only viable option to come to Kuwait's aid.

Despite attempts by Arab nations to find a solution, their efforts were unsuccessful. When UN met with Saddam Hussein, they pressed him to retreat, but he refused all offers.

Diplomatic efforts had failed, and the invasion of Kuwait continued. The United States eventually sought permission to go to war, which was granted.

The first attacks
In 1991, the United States was led by President George Bush senior who was alarmed by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

As a result, he decided to take action and attack Iraq, receiving support from the American congress.

The first military operations began, with the allied forces launching bombing raids over Iraq on January 16th at half past 10.

The primary targets were communication centres and other significant buildings in Baghdad.

The aim was to weaken Iraq's ability to conduct military operations and effectively communicate with its forces.