The launch of Desert Storm, the allied military operation led by the United States to liberate Kuwait, was no surprise. If the Iraqi army had not withdrawn from its southern neighbour by 15 January as demanded, a UN Security Council resolution authorised the use of force to reverse the invasion.
US attacks Baghdad On 16 January 1991, the US ordered a devastating and sustained aerial bombardment on Iraqi targets involving cruise missiles launched from warships, fighter planes, bombers and helicopters.
The ground warBy the end of February, the Iraqi army had made a desperate retreat from Kuwait. A three-day land campaign ended on 27 February when US President George Bush declared victory.
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