The Gulf War

In August 1990, Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded the small neighboring country of Kuwait. Countries around the world said this was wrong. The United Nations demanded that Iraq leave Kuwait. When Iraq refused, a coalition of 35 countries, led by the United States, sent forces to free Kuwait. The fighting lasted about six weeks in early 1991. Kuwait was freed, and the war showed that countries could work together to stop aggression.

The Invasion of Kuwait

Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq, claimed that Kuwait belonged to Iraq. He also wanted Kuwait's oil wealth. On August 2, 1990, Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait and quickly took over the small country. The world was shocked. The United Nations passed resolutions demanding that Iraq withdraw. When Iraq refused, countries from around the world began sending troops to the region.

Operation Desert Storm

On January 17, 1991, the coalition forces began attacking Iraq from the air. After weeks of bombing, ground troops moved in on February 24. The ground war lasted only 100 hours. Iraqi forces were quickly defeated and driven out of Kuwait. Kuwait was free again, but the war left lasting damage to the region. Oil wells that Iraq had set on fire burned for months and caused terrible pollution.

Fun Facts

• The Gulf War was one of the first wars shown live on television news around the world.
• The coalition included countries from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Iraqi forces set fire to over 600 oil wells in Kuwait as they retreated.

Did You Know?

The Gulf War was the first major conflict after the end of the Cold War, and it showed that countries from around the world could come together through the United Nations to respond to aggression.