American History · 1990–1991

The Gulf War

Operation Desert Storm — how a U.S.-led coalition drove Saddam Hussein’s army out of Kuwait in a 43-day air campaign and a 100-hour ground war.

Invasion & Buildup August–December 1990

Saddam Hussein’s army seizes Kuwait overnight, triggering an international crisis.

The United States assembles a vast coalition and pours forces into Saudi Arabia.

As diplomacy and sanctions fail, the coalition prepares to drive Iraq from Kuwait.

A massive coalition air campaign opens, pounding Iraqi targets day and night.

Iraq fires Scud missiles at Israel, hoping to fracture the coalition.

Iraqi forces briefly seize the Saudi border town before being thrown back.

The coalition launches its ground assault, sweeping into Kuwait and Iraq.

Coalition armor races across the desert, encircling the Iraqi army.

Iraqi forces flee Kuwait City along the “Highway of Death.”

After 100 hours, the coalition halts and Kuwait is liberated.

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