In the early hours of August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces launched a large-scale military invasion of Kuwait, marking the beginning of a significant international crisis that ultimately led to the First Gulf War. The operation, ordered by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, involved approximately 100,000 troops supported by hundreds of tanks, helicopter gunships, and elite Republican Guard units. These forces swiftly overwhelmed the smaller Kuwaiti military.
Iraqi troops advanced rapidly, reaching Kuwait City within hours, capturing key government buildings, national media outlets, and the main airport. Kuwait’s ruler, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, along with members of the royal family, fled to neighboring Saudi Arabia. While some segments of the Kuwaiti army mounted notable resistance—particularly in the defense of the Emiri palace—they were quickly subdued. By the end of the day, Iraqi forces controlled the majority of Kuwait, and within 48 hours, they had occupied the entire country.
On August 28, Baghdad formalized its control by annexing Kuwait, declaring it the 19th province of Iraq. The invasion stemmed from a combination of economic and territorial grievances. After enduring an eight-year war with Iran, Iraq faced a severe debt crisis. Baghdad accused Kuwait of deliberately overproducing oil to depress global prices and of illicitly extracting Iraqi oil through slant drilling across their shared border. In addition, Saddam demanded the cancellation of billions of dollars in war-related debts owed to Kuwait. Control of Kuwait would also grant Iraq access to roughly 20 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves.
The international community responded promptly. On August 3, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 660, condemning the invasion and calling for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces. Saddam Hussein’s refusal to comply led to the formation of a United States-led multinational coalition aimed at liberating Kuwait.
In early 1991, the coalition launched Operation Desert Storm, a military campaign featuring an extensive aerial bombardment followed by a rapid ground assault lasting approximately 100 hours. The operation successfully expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait, restoring the country’s sovereignty. The campaign demonstrated advanced precision weaponry and highlighted the effectiveness of modern coalition warfare.