Northern Saudi Arabia, January 17, 1991 - Approximately 2:38 AM
8 US AH-64 Apaches flew over Iraqi radar sites in Northern Saudi Arabia. The main pilot, LT. Tom Drew, said on the radio “Party in 10.” Exactly 10 seconds later, the helicopters fired laser-guided hellfire missiles, directly hitting their targets. This was the beginning of a major US operation called "Operation Desert Storm."
ABOVE: Hellfire missiles firing from the helicopters, as you can see on the gun cam.
On August 2, 1990, over 100,000 Iraqi forces invaded and took full control over the tiny nation of Kuwait. Iraq had looted over $1 Billion from Kuwaiti banks. The US immediately intervened, as well as a 39-country military coalition. Some of these countries were Saudi Arabia, the UK, Egypt, Germany, Pakistan, South Korea, and Canada.
The first US-led operation came to be known as Operation Desert Storm. It began with 9 AH-64 Apaches destroying Iraqi Radar sites. After that, US F-15 Strike Eagles as well as EF-111 Ravens flew into Iraqi air space. US and coalition Air Forces bombed Iraqi positions and supply routes. Overwhelming B-52 strikes were a form of psychological warfare and tactical strikes against Iraq.
“Our strategy to go after this [Iraqi] army is very simple. First, we’re going to cut it off, and then we’re going to kill it”
– General Colin Powell, 23 February 1991
On February 24, ground warfare began. US special forces flew behind enemy lines to gather intelligence. US and allied forces attacked north towards the Kuwaiti capital, Kuwait City. The 2nd mechanized division and US Marines pushed from North Saudi Arabia into Kuwait. They passed through burning oil fields set on fire by the Iraqis. By the afternoon, Airborne divisions were already deep into Iraq.
US soldiers walk past a burning Oil well.
The Iraqi troops, tired, hungry, and traumatized by the physiological warfare used, began to surrender. Some were so tired of the war, they surrendered to news troops. In over 100 hours, Iraq was defeated by Coalition forces.
Over 100,000 people died including civilians. The US had successfully helped Kuwait liberate their city. This was one of the most significant wars in middle eastern history.
Comments