Key Facts
- Duration
- 4 days (24–28 February 1991)
- Coalition troop strength
- ~650,000
- Iraqi troop strength
- ~500,000
- Coalition nations
- 42 countries led by the United States
- Key battle
- Kuwait International Airport
Strategic Narrative Overview
On 24 February 1991, coalition forces numbering approximately 650,000 troops swept into Iraqi-occupied Kuwait. Much of the Iraqi garrison of roughly 500,000 surrendered en masse. Isolated pockets of resistance persisted, most notably at Kuwait International Airport, where Iraqi troops—apparently unaware that a retreat order had been issued—continued fighting until overcome by advancing coalition units.
01 / The Origins
Iraq had invaded and occupied Kuwait in August 1990, triggering an international crisis. A United States-led coalition of 42 nations assembled under UN authorization to expel Iraqi forces. Following months of diplomatic failure and a sustained air campaign that degraded Iraqi military capability, coalition planners prepared a large-scale ground offensive to liberate Kuwait and restore its sovereignty.
03 / The Outcome
By 28 February 1991, Kuwait was declared liberated from Iraqi occupation. Coalition forces pressed briefly into southern Iraq before a ceasefire halted combat operations, bringing the Gulf War to a close. Kuwait's government-in-exile was restored to power, and international attention shifted to post-war stability, the destruction of Iraq's oil infrastructure, and the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.