The Start of Operation Desert Storm: The Longest Bombing Raid in History

TLDRIn August 1990, Iraq invaded and annexed Kuwait, leading to international condemnation. The US and its allies deployed forces to Saudi Arabia and launched Operation Desert Storm on January 17, 1991. The air war began with B-52 bombers and stealth aircraft targeting communication sites and power plants in Baghdad. Cruise missiles were also launched from naval battle groups. The coalition forces successfully degraded Iraq's air defense systems and conducted airstrikes on military targets. The ground invasion followed weeks later. The operation lasted for six weeks, and the coalition forces secured victory, driving Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

Key insights

🌍Operation Desert Storm was a multinational effort led by the United States to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

💣The air war in Operation Desert Storm began with B-52 bombers and stealth aircraft targeting communication sites and power plants in Baghdad.

🚀Cruise missiles were launched from naval battle groups, hitting communication targets in Baghdad.

🌙The air campaign successfully degraded Iraq's air defense systems and paved the way for the ground invasion.

✌️Operation Desert Storm lasted for six weeks and resulted in the successful liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

Q&A

What led to the start of Operation Desert Storm?

—Operation Desert Storm was launched in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait in August 1990.

What were the goals of the air war in Operation Desert Storm?

—The air war aimed to degrade Iraq's air defense systems and pave the way for the ground invasion.

How long did Operation Desert Storm last?

—Operation Desert Storm lasted for approximately six weeks, from January 17, 1991, to February 28, 1991.

What were the key achievements of Operation Desert Storm?

—Operation Desert Storm successfully liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation and drove Iraqi forces out of the country.

Who led the multinational effort in Operation Desert Storm?

—The United States led the multinational effort in Operation Desert Storm, with support from various coalition partners.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In August 1990, Iraq invaded and annexed Kuwait, leading to international condemnation.

03:07The US and its allies deployed forces to Saudi Arabia and launched Operation Desert Storm on January 17, 1991.

06:43The air war began with B-52 bombers and stealth aircraft targeting communication sites and power plants in Baghdad.

09:26Cruise missiles were launched from naval battle groups, hitting communication targets in Baghdad.

11:31The air campaign successfully degraded Iraq's air defense systems and paved the way for the ground invasion.

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