✦ History

Gulf War

August 2, 1990 – February 28, 1991

After Iraq under Saddam Hussein invaded and annexed Kuwait on 2 August 1990, a 42-country coalition led by the United States assembled against it, following UN Security Council demands for Iraq's withdrawal. The coalition built up forces during Operation Desert Shield (August 1990 to January 1991), then launched Operation Desert Storm with an air campaign on 17 January 1991. Kuwait was liberated and a ceasefire took effect on 28 February 1991.

View war on globe Full event page

Battles 7

August 2–4, 1990
Iraqi invasion of Kuwait Kuwait City Saddam Hussein
January 17 – February 23, 1991
Air campaign of the Gulf War Baghdad
January 29 – February 1, 1991
Battle of Khafji Khafji, Saudi Arabia
February 24–28, 1991
Liberation of Kuwait campaign Kuwait City Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., Frederick M. Franks Jr., Gary E. Luck
February 26–27, 1991
Highway of Death Highway of Death
February 26, 1991
Battle of 73 Easting 73 Easting grid line, southern Iraq (approximate) Frederick M. Franks Jr.
February 27, 1991
Battle of Medina Ridge Battle of Medina Ridge

Key commanders

Iraq 1

Saddam Hussein belligerent leader · 1937–2006

Coalition 8

George H. W. Bush belligerent leader · 1924–2018 Colin Powell 1937–2021 Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. Commander, US Central Command, Commanded Coalition forces · 1934–2012 Peter de la Billière Commander, British Forces Middle East · 1934– Michel Roquejeoffre Commander, French forces (Opération Daguet) · 1933–2024 Frederick M. Franks Jr. Commander, VII Corps, Led the main armoured attack · 1936– Gary E. Luck Commander, XVIII Airborne Corps, Led the western flank · 1937–2024 Walter E. Boomer Commander, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Led the drive into Kuwait · 1938–