Gulf War Ground Offensive

Setting the scene

The Gulf War ground offensive began February 24, 1991, after five weeks of aerial bombing, and lasted 100 hours until February 28. Coalition forces, led by the U.S. and including troops from 35 nations, launched a massive armored assault into Kuwait and southern Iraq. The operation, named Desert Storm, involved a 'left hook' maneuver where U.S. VII Corps swung west through the desert to outflank Iraqi forces.

What happened

The offensive was overwhelmingly successful. Iraqi forces, demoralized by bombing and poorly led, collapsed. Coalition forces liberated Kuwait City on February 26. On February 27, U.S. aircraft attacked Iraqi forces fleeing on Highway 80, creating the 'Highway of Death.' President Bush declared a ceasefire on February 28, after 100 hours, with coalition forces 150 miles inside Iraq.

Why it still matters

The war killed 292 coalition troops and an estimated 20,000-35,000 Iraqi soldiers, plus 3,000 civilians. It demonstrated the effectiveness of precision-guided weapons, stealth technology, and modern combined arms warfare. The war restored Kuwait's independence but left Saddam in power, leading to continued sanctions and the 2003 Iraq War. The 100-hour victory restored American confidence after Vietnam and established the U.S. as the sole superpower in the post-Cold War era.

Background

Saddam survived to crush revolts.